Some conservative Christian groups are criticizing a children's video
featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and other cartoon characters because
they believe it promotes acceptance of gay and lesbian families. The
video's makers, however, say it is meant to promote tolerance and
diversity. Peter Sprigg, senior director of policies of the Family
Research Council, said: "Much of what they have is coded language
that is regularly used by the pro-homosexual movement such as
'tolerance' and 'diversity.'" Do you think messages targeted toward
children should be more specific when promoting themes of tolerance,
or are some of these critics overreacting?
The Torah (Bible) says "You shall love your fellow as yourself."
(Leviticus 19:18). The 1st century Rabbi Akiva says, "This is the
most essential rule of the entire Torah." This commandment applies to
everyone regardless of race, color, creed or sexual orientation. The
Torah is therefore clear that we must accept and respect anyone and
everyone, including a homosexual.
However, at the same time, the Torah clearly outlines acceptable
and moral lifestyles. Homosexuality is not one of them.
Respecting someone and disagreement are not mutually exclusive. I
can respect a person while at the same time disagree with his or her
lifestyle. So, while I have a moral obligation to be tolerant and
accepting of a homosexual, at the same time I disagree with the
homosexual lifestyle.
That being said, I believe that when educating children we should
definitely stress the importance of tolerance and diversity --
without getting into the details. Once we start associating tolerance
and diversity with any specific agenda we automatically exclude other
agendas, and by doing so become less tolerant and diverse ourselves.
The Torah tells us that children should be taught to accept everyone.
Period.
I'm not sure whether Nickelodeon is sending subtle sexual messages
via "SpongeBob SquarePants." What I am definitely sure of, however,
is that the trend of the film industry toward educating children
about sexual issues is wrong.
Sexual education is the domain of parents, guardians or teachers.
I also don't believe it is a good idea to teach children issues that
they will obviously have a difficult time understanding. Children who
have not reached maturity will have a hard time grasping any sexual
issue -- let alone a complicated one. It would be responsible for a
parent or teacher to wait until children reach maturity before
broaching sexual issues.
