The Desensitizing of America — Are You Ready for What’s Next?

May, 2005

by: Joseph Molinari

It was recently reported that Adelphia Cable intended to expand its channel selection to include XXX movies, the most explicit pornography available. Interestingly, there was such an outcry that it drew nationwide media attention. Subscribers threatened to drop their cable. At least one woman quit her job at Adelphia in protest. The result: Adelphia withdrew its plans. Protesters, believers and unbelievers, celebrated victory.

Certainly, from one perspective we may claim that the Adelphia case was a victory in the battle against indecent and immoral entertainment. On the other hand, Satan himself can claim victory. As our minds focus on one thing, the devil performs with smoke and mirrors to sneak in other things.

Adelphia Cable has been providing 6 adult channels including Playboy and Spice for some time. Where were the protesters when they made the decision to offer that programming? Was that not crossing the line of decency? Or is it that Adelphia hadn’t gone “too far?” The devil knows full well that we are a fickle people, picking and choosing what to deem “offensive” without consistency. When we protest one offensive thing and not all offensive things, we merely lower the bar of acceptability. What the protest really said was that XXX was crossing the line, but everything else is acceptable. XXX is out - Adult Pay Per View stays. Slowly, but surely, Satan gains ground.

Last year Janet Jackson’s wardrobe “malfunction” became the media event of the year drawing nationwide protests and FCC action. Soon after, Britney Spears and Madonna passionately kissed on stage at a live awards show with little to no fallout. As a result, the major networks will doggedly guard against female nudity during live events. However, since two females kissing garnered only mild criticism, we can look forward to seeing more women kissing on TV. We already have the cable show “The L-Word.” Slowly, but surely, Satan gains ground.

Where were the protesters? In fact, where were they years ago when partial nudity hit prime time on NYPD Blue, CSI, and Boomtown? Where were these people when the 7 dirty words you could not say on TV, as pointed out by George Carlin in the 70’s, gradually became only four words you cannot say?

Some believe that one’s choice of entertainment is a matter of personal conviction. At the same time that we protest X-rated fare, we become loyal fans of Baywatch, Sex in the City, Desperate Housewives, and Victoria’s Secrets ads. Are we not vicariously enjoying the sins of others? “…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) We reason that certain things don’t bother us. Yet, it is written: “…do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:11-12)

As you navigate the TV wasteland, consider Christ’s letter to Laodicea: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16). Shall we remain lukewarm about entertainment? Shall we only change the channel based on whether or not what we see makes us feel uncomfortable? Men, make no provision for the flesh. “Flee immorality…” (1 Cor 6:18)

Brethren, it is going to get worse. At what point will entertainment have gone too far? I submit, it already has.

Are you ready for what’s next?