How Today's Pop Culture Influences Our Kids. And Not For the Better.

Update (08/2015):  This post has become one of the most frequented in the last month and because of that, more people have read my strong views on today's pop culture. There was a backlash from some readers of different views who felt my post was biased and unfair. This may appear to them as being the case, but from my Christian point of view, I feel the points expressed in this post are based on biblical truths. As a result of other respected critiques, I have edited this post to somewhat soften the tone; however, there is nothing changed overall from the original theme.  

What do you think about today's pop culture?  Is it just entertainment? Does it make any difference in our families? What about the changing view of gender in society? 

You may or may not agree, but I do hope you will read my insights today.  I believe that we need to see it as a significant force in society today because it is something that will impact the thinking and beliefs of our kids, no matter what their age.  

Today I am going well outside my normal writing topics and talk about a story that is currently all over the Internet - on entertainment as well as the mainstream news sites. I don't think anyone can go anywhere without hearing about the latest news: a famous Olympian who is in his sixties has decided that his life will be better now that he has transgendered in a woman. His disclosure during a highly publicized interview in April took America by storm (although I'm sure the majority of the public had already suspected it but wanted to confirm it), and now a month later, a fashion magazine is heralding this celebrity on its front cover, plasticized, Photoshopped and poised to be our next "superhero." This celebrity has received resounding applause and praise for bravery, strength (and appearance). Hollywood is rejoicing over the transformation of this fellow star.

This is now today's culture. 

And it's being pushed as the "new normal."

Sadly, boys are not learning to be the men they should be, and more women are becoming feminists. I have recently learned that some school districts in our country will be incorporating more gender identity issues into the curriculum. (A recent article on this subject is HERE)  Kids will soon learn from public school teachers that gender fluidity is acceptable and that they should be tolerant of those who are transgender, including sharing restrooms and locker rooms, even if they are uncomfortable. They will also be taught that their gender really evolves over their lifetime, so it isn't necessary to decide if they are a boy or a girl until they themselves are ready to do so.  Wow, how different the answer is becoming to the question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  

In all the responses, I have read of some outspoken men who say they are offended that a former Olympian and someone they may have had as an athletic hero growing up has changed to the opposite sex. This weakens the God-given masculine abilities, drive and the necessary respect that men require today to be the head of the family, the strength and security his wife needs, and an influential leader in his community.  Seeing this "transgendering" actually states that it's okay to give up. It seems to be saying, "Why stay a man when it's too hard?"  

I think women should be offended too. This celeb says "he" is a woman, but in reality, there are only the fabricated makings of one because it could be bought. This artificiality is being celebrated on a magazine cover, but it is actually the wrong view of womanhood being shown to the world!  Meanwhile, many of us women struggle or have daughters who struggle with self-worth and the need to be accepted as we are. We sometimes find it hard to celebrate how God has made us perfectly as His daughters.  I still struggle with this in my own life.

We are in the fight of our lives against the pervasive social culture and other worldly influences on our kids. The enemy has launched a raging battle to change and reverse our kids' understanding of gender -- which is only lovingly created and personally assigned by God.  

What can we do? 

• Communicate to our kids what is going on in the world, and how often this culture will grab at them from every angle.  
• Teach them how to "armor up" and how to remain strong as they battle the enemy of "new" social norms (Ephesians 6:13).  
• Remind them of their value, worth and how God created them (Psalms 139:13-16)
• Explain that God has a special purpose just for them.  (Hebrews 12:1-3).  

All of us can help our children fight the good fight, finish the race and most importantly, keep the faith.  (2 Timothy 4:7)

Now is the time to speak out, stand up and reinforce God's principles with our kids!