December 2003 WUGGIE'S MUSIC, MEDIA AND MORE!
Ratings System:
++ Christian - made specifically by Christians for Christians
+ Secular - but contains nothing offensive to most Christians, probably made by Christians trying to exert influence in secular media.
M Mature content. Not necessarily offensive, but parents should be careful before allowing exposure to children and pre-teens.
X Mature content. For mature teens, firm in their convictions and morals, who have received much parental guidance.
XX Contains very mature, problematic content. Parents should seriously consider restricting exposure to teens.
XXX Completely offensive. Not only should teens be restricted, but adults may want to question their own exposure.
Coupling dies a miserable death. Readers of this column might recall my review of the NBC sitcom, Coupling, reviewed in the September issue. I suggested that this show 'pushed the envelope' of liberalized sexual morals farther than they have ever been pushed on network TV. I also predicted that the show would fly anyway. I was right about the first count, but wrong about the second. It turns out that American viewers (thank God) voted with their remote controls, and put the show off the air. This should encourage us! We don't have to sit around and consume whatever the media execs give us. We can tell them, and they will respond! Want more family friendly shows? Want more Christian values? Then watch those shows and tune out the others. Our eyes control their wallet!
Outkast / The Speakerboxxx - The Love Below / X
Wow, I finally found a secular rap CD that only deserves one X! While Christian music now offers the same level of quality and diversity of music styles as secular music, Christian rap has long lagged behind. There are only a few Christian rappers worth the price of a CD. Their names are Toby Mac, Grits, John Reuben, & KJ-52 if you want to check them out. There are many others who have tried, but fallen short in the talent department. Meanwhile all the talent in the rap genre has languished in moral filth, as if there is no way to be successful without pushing the envelope. Don't get me wrong, Outkast is not 'clean', they just don't push the envelope of shock rap. Instead, Big Boi and Dre choose to let their talent do the talking. Heavily influenced by '80's funk, they have developed a unique flavor of hip hop that is really great. Having grown up on Pfunk, George Clinton, Gap Band and Rick James, I personally really like Outkast's music. You will find occasional swearing (although no taking the Lord's name in vain!), and you will find a lot of sexual tension on this CD. But you won't find much in your face sexuality, or women being used as objects, and the materialism is no where near as blatant as other rappers. Outkast also chooses themes more consistent with what real people struggle with instead of themes that just make them look like players. The song 'Church' begins with this line: "Man, have you ever really wondered Like why are we here? What the meanin' to all of this?" and goes on to suggest that you might find the answer at church. Gee. Problem is that the guys probably don't hang out at church too much as evidenced by the casual sexual morals proposed in songs like, "The Way You Move." Bottom line: Mature teens who have received much parental guidance are not about to be corrupted, and if you need a battle you can let your rap loving kid win, this isn't a bad choice. Just beware of the occasional profanity and loose morals. Is your teen mature enough? You're the parent, you make the call.
Barenaked Ladies / Everything To Everyone M
Don't judge the band by it's name. They are as clean as Pastor Randy's Sunday Whites. They got their name when a promoter suggested that they'd get more people to come if they put 'Barenaked Ladies' on the marquee. BNL (as their fans refer to them) is a fun quirky band that is more likely to sing about macaroni and cheese or apartments than anything risqué. They do manage to get serious long enough to blast consumerism in the song, "Shopping", and reach out to those contemplating suicide on "War On Drugs". Their new CD has gotten some poor reviews only because it doesn't break any new ground, it just sounds like everything else they've ever done. Evidently that's exactly what BNL fans wanted, because the CD is flying off the shelves. Safe for kids any age.
Mandy Moore / Coverage / M
As the title suggests, the CD is all covers of Mandy's favorite songs from the 60's and 70's. While not every song from that era reflects Christian morals and value systems, Mandy generally chose the ones that did, and the CD definitely reminds us how far we've drifted in terms of our society's collective morals.
Abercrombie and Fitch / Media-Advertising-Catalog / Un-rated
Regular readers of this column know that I am more about empowering you to make your own decisions and encouraging you to have conversations with your kids in which you pass on your morals than I am about telling what you should do or what you should buy. That won't end here. The popular clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch publishes a yearly catalog just in time for Christmas. Their catalog uses soft core porn to market an image. That image is then used to sell clothes. I have not seen the catalog. I have been told it is akin to a Playboy or other soft core porn magazine, with the exception that the models are unusually young. I'm not going to use this column as an excuse to go look at the catalog (hence the fact that this item is unrated). The image that is being marketed is one which actively encourages young people to be sexually active and makes sexual activity a hallmark of maturity and individual value. A&F sells clothes that allow young people to express and identify with this philosophy. Much of their clothing is revealing and sexual. Even the clothes that are not particularly revealing still have the company's logo, so that the wearer can still say, subliminally, "I identify with that". Now I know that many young people love the clothes and I know that the clothing is well made and comfortable. I am not saying, don't buy A&F. Yes, you'll probably want to make sure that the catalog stays out of your house and out of your kids' consumption. Whether or not you buy their clothes is your call. What I really encourage is that you use the next trip to the mall, or the Christmas list with A&F on it, as an opportunity to discuss these things with your kid, and pass on your morals and values.
Stocking Stuffers:
Looking for some can't-miss Christian friendly CDs to give kids and grandkids for Christmas? Pick from this list and you won't go wrong! Most of these artists have been reviewed previously. For back issue reviews, go to the church website, RedeemerBirmingham.org and click on Wuggie's Music, Media and More.
Reliant K / Two Left Don't Make Right (Punk)
Switchfoot / The Beautiful letdown (Pop flavored rock)
Stacey Orrico / Stuck (Dance flavored pop)
Toby Mac / Re:mix Momentum (Rap)
.Jaci Vel?squez / Unspoken (Dance flavored pop)
Audio Adrenaline / Worldwide (Rock)
The Lump of Coal List:
Kid Rock / Kid Rock
Godsmack / Faceless
Ludacris, Chicken*N*Beer
TALK WITH MY KIDS ABOUT A SERIOUS ISSUE?
A recent Penn State study reported that less than half of 11 to 17-year olds reported ever having a serious talk with their parents about a serious issue such as drugs or pre-marital sex. But 70% said they would be more comfortable having the talk with their moms. Only 12% said they'd prefer dad. Just because they might prefer mom doesn't mean they wouldn't respond to or even enjoy a discussion with dad. The study's researcher offered these tips for talking to your kids: Educate yourself about the hazards before hand; know what kids will respond to (they usually pay more attention to anecdotes and statistics); and use television and movies to start talks. When was the last time you sat down and had a serious talk with your kids about a serious issue? They might show discomfort at first, but in the end, they'll really enjoy it.