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The Media That Made Me
The media has a big impact on the ways we think, especially in our youth. We develop
expectations of how we are to look, think, behave as we grow older. In Hollywood Worldview,
Godawa states that Americans absorb thousands of acts of violence, obscenities and immoral
sexuality every year with the context not being addressed. (Godawa, 2002) This is especially true
in our early years, when our minds are the most shapeable. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God's.” (
NIV Beautiful Word Bible
, 1973/2019)
One of the shows I grew up watching was Full House. Every episode usually had a life
lesson that usually was resolved easily and positively. The female characters had a positive
influence on me. I wanted to be like DJ. DJ was down to earth, she had a best friend and a
boyfriend. She was close to her family. And I wanted to be like Aunt Becky when I grew up.
Aunt Becky was fun and loving. The hardest part for me about being like Aunt Becky was I was
an only child. At that time, I didn’t think about being an aunt through marriage.
The importance
of family was a big part of the show. I wanted to have that same family dynamic. Their family
dynamic reminds me of Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of
you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.". (
NIV Beautiful Word
Bible
, 1973/2019) I was raised by a single mom, so I could relate to the single parent dynamic
and living with other family and the grievances that come with it. I knew even back then how
important forgiveness was.
Another show I watched growing up was The Cosby Show. That show showed parents
that worked hard for everything they had. Their kids got in the same trouble and had the same
problems as any other child or teenager. I knew I wanted to discipline my kids the same way they
