Some of this entertainment is positive and uplifting, but an ever-increasing segment is degrading and destructive. A recent New York Times review hyped a new Broadway musical as “blasphemous, scurrilous and foul-mouthed” (March 24, 2011). Movies and even television have become increasingly pornographic, excusing fornication and adultery, homosexuality, nudity, and casual drug and alcohol use. Comedians deliver strings of profanity and sexual innuendo. Movies and television disparage marriage, fidelity, abstinence, honesty, and faith.
“Our biggest challenge is to choose wisely what we listen to and what we watch” (M. Russell Ballard, Let Our Voices Be Heard, Ensign, November 2003, p. 16-17).
Whatever media we read, watch, or listen to will profoundly affect us in many different ways. Uplifting and beautiful entertainment will enrich our souls, but degrading, obscene, profane, and foul entertainment will weaken our souls.
Consumers vote with their wallets and voices. One may either passively watch the progressive decline in moral standards, or one may take action with other concerned citizens by opposing current trends. “We need to tell the sponsors of offensive media that we have had enough. We need to support programs and products that are positive and uplifting” (M. Russell Ballard, as previously cited).
We recently attended a live, flawless performance of the internationally acclaimed Riverdance. The Irish tap was fast and disciplined. The performers were beautiful and the costumes were colorful and modest. The folk music was authentic and melodic, and the lyrics were uplifting and encouraging.
One may choose high-quality entertainment that enriches and uplifts, or one may choose degrading and corrupting entertainment that defiles the senses and impairs moral perspective.
“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (from the 13th Article of Faith).
