ABC Tells Us the Truth About TV

By: American Decency Staff

Yes.  For one half hour of time back in 1995 ABC DID tell us the truth about TV.

Read the following carefully.  This article was written by me as the then Director of the AFA of Michigan.

“On May 10^th, ABC’s “Primetime” carried a devastating half-hour report about children and how they are influenced by TV depicting sexuality.  It isn’t often that those who don’t share our views articulate our concerns.

Another nice surprise is that a columnist for the Muskegon Chronicle, who generally opposes the AFA position, also made it clear that he recognizes the damaging impact of TV and movie programming.

John Allen wrote“Wednesday night, “Primetime Live” carried a devastating half-hour or so about children and sex.  I’m not talking about teen-agers, but children – little children, 5 and 6 and 7 years old.  With hidden cameras and interviews, the program gave us little girls and little boys who know all about sexy clothing, grownups “doing it” in the movies, and a number of other things which can’t be mentioned in a family newspaper like this one…

Parents watched tapes in stunned disbelief as their knowing children talked frankly about all kinds of sexual matters.  I couldn’t help wondering what videos those parents choose to watch when they think the children aren’t paying attention.  Or what television shows play regularly in their homes, daytime or primetime.

When little children know far too much about so-called “adult” matters, I can’t help wondering about the adults who are bringing them up.  Parents and their tastes and choices are the last wall of defense between the children and the rest of the world.  TV and film producers may be out to make a buck from a panting audience.  But what excuse do parents have for not protecting their children any better than they seem to be managing?

Is no one responsible?  Or is it okay for six-year-olds to be conversant about casual sex and lust?

Do parents let the TV play no matter what, and then blame the TV for what their children know?…

Who is responsible?”

[Muskegon Chronicle, May 14, 1995]

John Allen (deceased) was no friend of our position that’s for sure.  Yet, here he was telling it like it was in a very powerful quote that I will never forget.  Let me repeat it for your careful consideration.

“When little children know far too much about so-called “adult” matters, I can’t help wondering about the adults who are bringing them up.  Parents and their tastes and choices are the last wall of defense between the children and the rest of the world.  TV and film producers may be out to make a buck from a panting audience.  But what excuse do parents have for not protecting their children any better than they seem to be managing?

Is no one responsible?  Or is it okay for six-year-olds to be conversant about casual sex and lust?

Do parents let the TV play no matter what, and then blame the TV for what their children know?…”

Parent/Grandparent:  Where are you in all of this?  I urge you not to accommodate to what “everyone”  seems to think is acceptable!

Is it okay for your six-year old to be conversant about casual sex and lust?  Do you let the TV play no matter what, and then blame TV for what your children know?

Guard your heart!  Guard your children’s heart too.  Teach your loved ones diligently to know the difference between the holy and the profane.

Ezekiel 22:26.

May it not be said of me that I didn’t set the standard high in my household and TEACH my kids the difference between the holy and the profane and that I was and am the last line of defense!

How about you?

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