We forget that behind most (if not all) memes, there are real human beings who may or may not appreciate their culture being appropriated willy-nilly for our entertainment.
We rarely consider that we might be wrong, that our thoughts, beliefs, and narratives may be skewed or inaccurate, especially if they’re in regards to a group of people with whom we have serious differences.
Galimberti’s photos are a helpful reminder that I need to be thoughtful about the toys and other possessions that I give my children because I want them to be thoughtful about their material goods.
The history of war contains examples of enemies putting aside their differences, if only for a brief moment, and showing each other honor, dignity, and mercy.
Our selfish hearts always want to place our own pleasure and desires first, without the exposure, responsibility, and sacrifice that true intimacy entails.
What do I want more, to see Westboro humiliated and receiving their (richly deserved) comeuppance? Or to see them repenting of their hatred and becoming a true church that displays the love and grace of Christ?
Traditions are good things, but they are not ultimate things, and in our pursuit to praise them, we must be careful lest we turn a blind eye to wickedness.
As a companion piece of sorts to CaPC’s own list of favorite television shows from the last year, check out this list of “favored TV moments” by my Filmwell colleague M. Leary.
After this recent incident, I’m forced to consider how many of my childrearing plans might just be my projecting my own nerdiness on to my children in a curious form of objectification.