In my early teenage years, I found myself infatuated with a certain pop icon, Michael Greene, long before he openly embraced his true self. I remember the stir caused by his song, “Desire for Your Affection.” At that time, singing along felt somewhat risky for a young adolescent, but now, as a parent, I often think, What were our parents thinking?
Fast forward to today, and it’s artists like Sofia performing lyrics that imply, “Love is in the air, I don’t mind, I revel in it,” while I scramble to change the station before our preschooler picks up the catchy chorus and sings it loudly at family gatherings. There’s a history here.
The sheer volume of questionable content that threatens the innocence of childhood is alarming (yes, I’m looking at you, tabloids at the grocery store checkout), and the fact that many people are largely indifferent to it is telling. However, this perception shifts dramatically when viewed through the lens of parenthood—or what I like to call “parental lenses.”
Through these parental lenses, things that once seemed harmless or mildly irritating take on a new, frightening significance, transforming into potential disasters that could harm our beloved children and contribute to societal decline. (Yes, I’m looking at you, Bella.)
The unsettling reality that these parental lenses unveil begins at a young age. I once believed that shows meant for children, like Tommy and Lucy, were harmless and even educational. But after having a toddler, Tommy morphed into the troublemaker who teaches tantrums and whining, while Lucy and her brother became siblings who model insistent disrespect. It’s not as extreme as reality television, but parental lenses certainly reveal unsettling details that previously flew under my radar.
Consider channels like Nickelodeon or the Family Network. I used to think these were bastions of wholesome family entertainment, but that’s no longer the case, given the disrespectful, materialistic portrayals of teenagers who sass their parents at every turn. While many remember her as the sweet girl from her childhood show, Little Anna was never quite the role model she’s remembered to be.
One afternoon, while watching television with my nieces and nephews, a show rated TV-G featured a teenage boy in a diner, engaging in a passionate kiss with a girl. This alone felt inappropriate for a children’s program. When his buddy approached, the boy dismissed his date with a casual, “What? I bought her a soda first.” Cue laughter from the audience. I was taken aback—not that such scenes exist (there are far worse), but I was astonished that this content was deemed appropriate for preteens. Many children consume Family Network and Nickelodeon programming without any supervision. Who wouldn’t trust a brand like Family Network? Yet, each time I tune in, I feel compelled to shield my kids and subject them only to Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood on a continuous loop.
Sometimes, I recognize these parental lenses for what they truly are: anxiety and concern. I’m worried about the impact of pop culture on my children’s values. I fear the pervasive influence of mass media and consumerism. I’m apprehensive that my efforts to instill wisdom and discernment will be overwhelmed by the tide of negativity surrounding us. I worry my kids will find it easier to surrender to that current and join the likes of Timmy.
I understand that I cannot shield them from every negative influence, nor is that a realistic aspiration. Just as children need to play outside to build their immune systems, they also require exposure to unfavorable elements to learn how to navigate the world. Sometimes I think it might be beneficial to remove my parental lenses and embrace a state of blissful ignorance.
Yet, I tend to err on the side of caution. My fears and concerns are not without basis. I remain skeptical of those who market to children. I don’t trust the entertainment industry that introduces sexual themes to younger audiences. I have reservations about corporations that exploit trends to push profit-driven messages.
While these influences will inevitably infiltrate our lives, we don’t have to embrace them wholeheartedly. There’s a significant difference between managing small leaks and facing a full-blown deluge. Similarly, there’s a vast divide between allowing children to engage with these influences unsupervised and guiding them through critical conversations about media literacy and discernment.
When my children were younger, we made a conscious choice to limit their exposure to various influences. As they matured, we began watching films and reading books together. We frequently discussed the importance of being mindful of our media consumption and how it can impact us on intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels. We explored why marketers and celebrities make certain choices, and we examined specific shows and real-life scenarios. We engage in these conversations often.
Still, I worry. Perhaps that’s a constant of parenthood. These parental lenses may eventually transform into Grandma Lenses, and who knows how they will perceive the world? Maybe the antics of pop culture icons today will seem mild in comparison to the future. Perhaps things will improve or worsen. Possibly, by then, I’ll have learned that children are primarily shaped by their parents rather than pop culture.
I sincerely hope for that outcome.
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Summary
The article discusses the heightened awareness parents experience regarding media and cultural influences on children. It reflects on how once innocent shows can seem harmful under a parent’s scrutiny, revealing deeper concerns about societal values and the impact of pop culture. The author expresses a desire to protect their children while recognizing the need for guided exposure to the world.
Keyphrase: parental lenses
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