“The Fine Print”, by Michael Schrader

REMEMBER THE INNOCENTS!

(Written 03 March 1999. Published in the Neighborhood Journal. Posted 16 September 2009.)

Gene Siskel, the movie critic, died recently. I enjoyed watching Siskel and his longtime partner Roger Ebert, as they provided me a glimpse, and a real critique, of what was good and what was not so good at the movies. Of the two, I must admit that I agreed with Siskel more often than Ebert. I think one reason why this was so is that Siskel reviewed many films from the viewpoint of a father.

I don't know, somehow I appreciated the fact that this man was genuinely concerned with the welfare of his and other children to be candid about what, in his opinion, were not suitable films for them to see. I admire any parent who is actually willing to monitor their children's activities, to actively try to shield their children from what could be physically or psychologically harmful. I just wish there were more of them.

It seems to me that we have become way too blasé where the welfare of our children is concerned. I have been called a prude and overreactionary where my children are concerned; I know that some of my relations have been subjected to similar criticisms. What is so wrong with a parent wanting to actually be a parent? Part of the job of being a parent is to protect our children from harm, much like a mother bird protects her chicks or a lioness protects her cubs. What is wrong with being a little protective of OUR cubs, OUR chicks -- our children? We seem to have forgotten about THEIR needs.

All my life, I have been repulsed by public displays of affection, and I don't mean holding hands or a peck on the cheek, if you get my drift. I mean the passionate kissing; the hands where are they are not supposed to be. I must admit, since I have become a father, my aversion to this type of behavior has magnified. Let me put it this way--it is not something I want my kids to see. How do you explain something like that to a small child? You can't, and you shouldn't have to. Keep what is supposed to be in the bedroom in the bedroom and not out on the street, in the mall, or in the hall at the local high school. Yet, I am told that I am a prude, that I am behind the times, that I need to get with the program. After all, it is the nineties, and we should be much more open about our sexuality. No we shouldn't. Especially in front of the children. Sorry, but children grow up fast enough the way it is without outside encouragement. If that makes me an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy stick-in-the-mud, well then, so be it!

I have gone to movies that I considered rather racy and violent for an adult and have seen little kids in the theater with me. No, I'm not talking teeny-boppers or young teens. I'm talking little kids. Like six or seven years old. And what is even worse is that Mom and Dad are sitting next to Junior in the theater. The excuse I have heard from similar Moms and Dads is that they wanted a night out. A night out for Mom and Dad is a good idea every once in a while, but for heaven's sake, leave Junior at home with a babysitter.

I know of many parents who closely monitor what the little ones can and cannot watch. Unfortunately, I also know of many parents who leave the little ones in front of the electrical babysitter to be subjected to whatever comes out of the picture tube.

This lack of parental responsibility has resulted in a push by certain groups to play Mom and Dad for us. These groups are taking it upon themselves to determine for us what is suitable and unsuitable. This, of course, ultimately leads to the demise of a free society and its replacement with authoritarianism.

It's your call. Freedom or slavery? The choice is yours, and it begins at home.

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