Unveiling the Light

A quick internet search of the bible reveals that “gossip” is spoken of as an evil at least 11 times; many more if you include the descriptive words, “slander” and “evil speaking.” The bible and rules of good social behavior tell us to look to the good in people and to not spread word of their wrong doing. Instead of condemning them, we are told to approach that person and to try to correct their behavior. If this is impossible then we are to remain silent and should hold them in our prayers, asking God to help them.

With this in mind it is time for most of us in this country to stand up and say in unison, “guilty as charged.” As a nation we have taken the troubles of others to be our entertainment and use their antics as a justification for our own behavior, either to make ourselves feel better about our lives or to think that our own bad behavior is acceptable in comparison. We are wrong in all ways. There is no justification for gossip and the sins of others are not events for us to enjoy nor actions of which we are to take advantage. They represent the fallen nature of human kind and the unraveling of the fabric of society. Their actions should cause sorrow, not entertainment.

I am speaking here mainly of the Hollywood personalities and media kings and queens that make up so much of our news today. Their infidelities, numerous marriages, arrests, scandals, and outrageous behavior have become fodder for our daily entertainment. Sure, some say that we should feel sorry for them, but only after watching and commenting on the embarrassing film clip or news item. It says something when we spend more time watching the drama surrounding the likes of Anne Nicole Smith and Britney Spears than we do learning about the reality of the war in Iraq and the real sacrifices and dedication found there on our behalf.

As a nation we need to begin asking some questions about our behavior. How can we instill good morals and behavior in our children when they are inundated with immorality and obnoxious behavior by our icons that are the highlights of conversation? It does not end there. We want them to be conservative in financial affairs yet as a state we have come to depend heavily on gambling for our income and entertainment and advertise this fact on a regular basis. We don’t tell them to work hard and earn a good life, we tell them to hit it big in the lottery. We don’t teach them the benefits of honor and good behavior. Instead the message of society is that only chumps play by the rules and that everybody is on the take. Outrageous behavior is seen as entertainment for the masses and shame is hardly mentioned.

Sure, these exaggerations are largely the result of our media but they are also allowed by our society. I can remember when gambling was frowned upon. Now it is seen as a sport and a saving grace for our schools, despite the documentation that gambling addiction is on the rise and many families are being destroyed by this disease. We adults may hold honor and honesty to be the foundation of a good life but how much time do we spend with the kids teaching them these values both in words and example? The media has a great deal of access to the children. How are we counteracting this access?

It is time for us to quit complaining about the direction this nation is headed and to understand that, wherever it is going, we are leading it. When we ignore our responsibilities, don’t find time for those people most important to us, or give our family duties over to strangers or society, we are yielding to their leadership. Parental responsibilities go far beyond procreation and financial support. Community support of families goes far beyond offering a few facilities for the kids to use.

As a society, we need to take responsibility for shaping the future of this country. Nobody is responsible for a family more than the parents but even parents need help of neighbors, friends, and community organizations; including churches. When we observe the bad behavior, lack of pride and low standards of the younger generations, we need to blame those most responsible. We need to blame ourselves and work to correct our own lives so that we can have a proper influence on those that look to us for guidance. In the end, the government we have, the society we live in, and the families we raise; all reflect who we are and our own standards. Looking around our world, it is hard to be happy with that?

Father Steven Foppiano