This is just a little reflection about something that I have been... well... reflecting on lately.
There is a wonderful priest at our parish. He is older, and full of wisdom and life experience. I love his homilies. They always leave me feeling peaceful. A few weeks ago he said (I was so impressed that I wrote it down in my checkbook register during his homily), "Sin is that which causes enmity between people." And then he said, "War is rooted in sin."
This started me thinking about the wars of the current century, including the so-called "Culture War." And I wondered if, in this "Culture War," the "issues" that we are all so concerned about are not the things which are of primary importance to us, either as Christians or as people of good will who do not call themselves "Christians." It hit me that, perhaps, what we need to be concerned about most is the enmity that has arisen in our country among people of differing viewpoints. Maybe what we need to really pay attention to is the way our opinions -- even about important things -- cause us to view one another and treat one another. So, if your neighbor -- and I am speaking of "neighbor" in the sense that Jesus did -- is a Democrat and you are a Republican, you need to treat that neighbor with respect and charity. You need to treat his or her opinions -- which he or she holds as dear as you hold yours -- with respect and charity. Because, at least according to the wonderful priest who gave this inspiring homily, our sin can be looked upon as having its beginnings in our lack of loving kindness in our attitudes, words, and actions towards others. Because it is this lack of loving kindness that leads to enmity between people. It is this lack of loving kindness that leads to war, including "Culture War."
And when the "bad guy downstairs" sees us fighting, full of impatience and intolerance and anger and hate, I bet he is laughing his ugly little ass off. Because we are playing right into his ugly little hands. Even when -- and maybe especially if -- we are convinced that our opinions are the morally correct ones.
So, let's pray a little bit for peace. Peace in our own hearts and minds. Peace with our neighbor -- whatever his or her religious or political ideology might be.
Showing posts with label Catholic Thought. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Thought. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Being "Called"
In the Catholic social circles in which I often find myself, there is a lot of talk about being "called."
Being called to a religious vocation.
Being called to marriage and/or parenthood.
Being called to the single life.
Being called to homeschooling.
Being called to a certain career.
Being called to a certain place to live.
Being called to start a school -- whether that be on the elementary, secondary, or college/university level.
And, yes, I think God does call people to things. But, if we believe we are being called to something, or if we are living a certain lifestyle to which we believe we have been called, humility is very important.
Because, sometimes, it might be easy to confuse our own desires or tastes or psychological dispositions with being "called." For example, some people say that God places certain desires in our hearts because He wants us to carry them out. At times, this may be true. But, this belief could also lead to some dangerous things -- depending on the state of our mental health, among other factors.
So, back to humility.
And I am thinking today of one certain type or aspect of humility -- the humility of listening to other people, even (and maybe especially) if they are critical of us.
If we can't thoughtfully listen to someone's criticisms of and probing questions about our important life decisions -- the things to which we believe we have been "called" -- maybe this is an indication that we are acting more out of our own will than God's. I'm not saying it is pleasant to be criticized or questioned. I am not saying that others will treat us in a respectful way when they wonder what in the heck we are thinking when we want to homeschool or start a university or whatever. And if the person questioning us is not of our faith -- or any faith at all -- it might be very easy to dismiss him or her. The thing is, though, God does send us other people to help us along the way, even people who are atheists or who are making certain choices that some might view as morally objectionable. So, it might be a good idea to quiet our hearts and listen to these people, to give them thoughtful answers to their questions, to prayerfully ponder their criticisms in our hearts. Because, at least in my own life, I have found that people who have been critical of me have often had good points -- points which, sometimes to my regret, I do not fully appreciate until it is too late to avert a negative consequence. Listening to those who are not fully approving of us has another benefit. It may not cause us to change our plans, but it might help us to enact those plans in a way that is wiser.
Having humility in the face of others' seemingly critical questioning is also helpful as we live out the lives or decisions to which we believe we have been "called." For, even if we have made a generally good decision about the direction of our life, it is very easy to stumble along the way, to get off-track. And there is a special danger if we have the idea that we have been called to something by God. Having this belief can cause us to become a bit proud, a bit arrogant, a bit conceited. We might start looking at our critics as being tools of the "dark side," sent to throw us off of the "path of righteousness." We might start looking at natural obstacles as supernatural, causing us to make poor decisions, leading us to throw good people "under the bus," as we forge ahead in the doing of "God's work."
To tell you the truth, I have become increasingly skeptical about people telling me that they are "called" to something by the Lord, except in the case of a religious vocation. But, even in the case of such a vocation, I am more comfortable with being told by a person, "I believe God may be calling me to the priesthood/religious life. I am going to prayerfully explore the possibility," rather than someone boldly stating, "I am being called to the priesthood/religious life," with no doubt or hesitancy, whatsoever. Because, to me, the doubt or hesitancy is what belies the attitude of humility -- the realization that it might not be God, but the person himself, who has a certain desire.
And as far as other things go -- other life choices which do not involve actual religious vocations -- it is my opinion that God offers us a choice out of many legitimate possibilities. I don't think He's up in Heaven going, "Out of all these hundred choices, I want you to make choice number three." Or, "You picked Sam instead of Matt? You've got to be kidding Me. Matt is the one I intended for you." I really don't believe that's the way God works. So, whether you homeschool or send your kids to school (public or private), whether you attend that Catholic college or San Diego State University, whether you marry Sam or Matt or nobody at all, whether you have one child or three or ten, whether you are an administrative assistant or a movie producer, have a little confidence that God can be pleased with you in any of these things. Just love Him. And know He loves you. And do the best you can. #pax
Being called to a religious vocation.
Being called to marriage and/or parenthood.
Being called to the single life.
Being called to homeschooling.
Being called to a certain career.
Being called to a certain place to live.
Being called to start a school -- whether that be on the elementary, secondary, or college/university level.
And, yes, I think God does call people to things. But, if we believe we are being called to something, or if we are living a certain lifestyle to which we believe we have been called, humility is very important.
Because, sometimes, it might be easy to confuse our own desires or tastes or psychological dispositions with being "called." For example, some people say that God places certain desires in our hearts because He wants us to carry them out. At times, this may be true. But, this belief could also lead to some dangerous things -- depending on the state of our mental health, among other factors.
So, back to humility.
And I am thinking today of one certain type or aspect of humility -- the humility of listening to other people, even (and maybe especially) if they are critical of us.
If we can't thoughtfully listen to someone's criticisms of and probing questions about our important life decisions -- the things to which we believe we have been "called" -- maybe this is an indication that we are acting more out of our own will than God's. I'm not saying it is pleasant to be criticized or questioned. I am not saying that others will treat us in a respectful way when they wonder what in the heck we are thinking when we want to homeschool or start a university or whatever. And if the person questioning us is not of our faith -- or any faith at all -- it might be very easy to dismiss him or her. The thing is, though, God does send us other people to help us along the way, even people who are atheists or who are making certain choices that some might view as morally objectionable. So, it might be a good idea to quiet our hearts and listen to these people, to give them thoughtful answers to their questions, to prayerfully ponder their criticisms in our hearts. Because, at least in my own life, I have found that people who have been critical of me have often had good points -- points which, sometimes to my regret, I do not fully appreciate until it is too late to avert a negative consequence. Listening to those who are not fully approving of us has another benefit. It may not cause us to change our plans, but it might help us to enact those plans in a way that is wiser.
Having humility in the face of others' seemingly critical questioning is also helpful as we live out the lives or decisions to which we believe we have been "called." For, even if we have made a generally good decision about the direction of our life, it is very easy to stumble along the way, to get off-track. And there is a special danger if we have the idea that we have been called to something by God. Having this belief can cause us to become a bit proud, a bit arrogant, a bit conceited. We might start looking at our critics as being tools of the "dark side," sent to throw us off of the "path of righteousness." We might start looking at natural obstacles as supernatural, causing us to make poor decisions, leading us to throw good people "under the bus," as we forge ahead in the doing of "God's work."
To tell you the truth, I have become increasingly skeptical about people telling me that they are "called" to something by the Lord, except in the case of a religious vocation. But, even in the case of such a vocation, I am more comfortable with being told by a person, "I believe God may be calling me to the priesthood/religious life. I am going to prayerfully explore the possibility," rather than someone boldly stating, "I am being called to the priesthood/religious life," with no doubt or hesitancy, whatsoever. Because, to me, the doubt or hesitancy is what belies the attitude of humility -- the realization that it might not be God, but the person himself, who has a certain desire.
And as far as other things go -- other life choices which do not involve actual religious vocations -- it is my opinion that God offers us a choice out of many legitimate possibilities. I don't think He's up in Heaven going, "Out of all these hundred choices, I want you to make choice number three." Or, "You picked Sam instead of Matt? You've got to be kidding Me. Matt is the one I intended for you." I really don't believe that's the way God works. So, whether you homeschool or send your kids to school (public or private), whether you attend that Catholic college or San Diego State University, whether you marry Sam or Matt or nobody at all, whether you have one child or three or ten, whether you are an administrative assistant or a movie producer, have a little confidence that God can be pleased with you in any of these things. Just love Him. And know He loves you. And do the best you can. #pax
Thursday, November 29, 2012
"SouthLAnd" -- A Case Study Course Proposal For John Paul The Great Catholic University
I have learned that there is a rather prestigious university that offers a course based on the TV series "The O.C." So, I have decided to propose such a course based on the series "SouthLAnd" for my daughter's alma mater, John Paul the Great Catholic University (referred to herein as JP Catholic).
JP Catholic is a university which concentrates on instructing students in the areas of entrepreneurial business and media. One of the degrees offered is a B.S. in Communications Media with an emphasis in Entertainment Media. The course which I am proposing would be particularly applicable to this degree.
"SouthLAnd" is a television series centering around the lives and work of officers of the Los Angeles Police Department. It is a work of fiction, but the storylines are based on the actual experiences of these officers. The show began its run in 2008 and will be entering its 5th season on the network TNT in February of 2013.
Media students may benefit from the study of the following aspects of "SouthLAnd":
1. technical -- cinematography and sound: "SouthLAnd" is filmed primarily on location using hand-held cameras. Much of the work is done outdoors. A lot of the action and dialogue take place in moving vehicles. These things present special challenges to the film-maker. Learning how these challenges are met by the technical crew of "SouthLAnd" would be invaluable to the students.
2. writing -- The students will:
a. examine how character arcs are adequately developed when a series contains a relatively large number of main characters, as this show does.
b. study how the development of each character in this show leads to many possibilities for future plot lines. The students may also practice writing future plot lines for the various personas, with a special emphasis on keeping each one appropriately in character, and yet letting each develop in a manner that would be engaging to an audience.
c. learn how to write appropriately for this specific genre, asking -- for each type of character -- how he/she would think, speak, and behave. This may be a bit difficult for young film students, but is an essential part of learning to write a story well.
3. directing -- The students will:
a. study how this job is structured when a show is as complex as "SouthLAnd". Each show involves many locations, scenes, and story lines. Is the job delegated to many assistant directors? If so, how much say does the principal director have over the decisions of the assistant directors? How do they coordinate their activities? If the show is directed -- for the most part -- by one person, how does that individual schedule his/her time in order to complete each episode efficiently? How does that individual ensure the quality of each episode when being bound by a tight shooting schedule?
b. examine how to direct a show that may contain some disturbing elements -- such as the violence which would necessarily be a part of this type of series. The students will ask themselves how these elements can be realistically and appropriately portrayed. I believe "SouthLAnd" does an excellent job with this, and the students could greatly benefit from a study of it.
c. examine how to direct a show that contains some elements that may be personally uncomfortable for them -- such as strong language and sexual content. How does a director handle these scenes, so as to ensure the show's realism, while at the same time ensuring that the cast and crew are treated with dignity.
4. production: "SouthLAnd" utilizes many different locations and sets for each episode. The students will study how such a complex series is managed by those tasked with both securing locations and props and decorating sets.
5. public relations and marketing -- The students will:
a. learn how a target audience for a show such as "SouthLAnd" is determined.
b. learn how a target audience for this show would be reached and how the marketing of the show to that target audience would be best accomplished, based on that audience's demographic.
c. ask themselves what type of television network would be a good fit for a show of this genre, and learn how to best pitch that show to such a network.
d. discover how the cooperation of the LAPD has been enlisted for the production of "SouthLAnd". What was necessary for that cooperation to come about? What is necessary for that cooperation to be sustained over several seasons?
6. Catholic thought -- As this is a Catholic university, the students can examine this show relative to Catholic teaching, as follows:
a. The students will ask themselves what qualities of each character and character arc, and which elements of the individual episodes and overall story lines, are consistent with authentic Catholic teaching. Having discovered this, they can examine how these things are presented in a way that is believable and sensitive, not "preachy" or condescending.
b. The students will also ask themselves what elements of the show are not strictly in line with Catholic thought. They will be asked to discuss, in a way which invites their sincere opinions:
*Is it appropriate for a Catholic person to incorporate non-Catholic ideas into his/her stories?
*If not, why not?
*If so, why?
*How can the inclusion of non-Catholic, or even anti-Catholic, ideas in a television show contribute to beneficial discourse in our society between people of differing opinions?
If you are still reading at this point, thank-you for lending a listening ear to this proposal. I realize that it is problematic in various ways. For example, the students would have to actually watch the show. How they would accomplish that would have to be determined. And the scope of the course I have outlined is quite broad, so it would probably have to be narrowed down quite a bit. I do think, though, that this type of course would benefit an aspiring film-maker. And a case study can be a very valuable learning experience, as the merely conceptual takes on a more concrete form.
JP Catholic is a university which concentrates on instructing students in the areas of entrepreneurial business and media. One of the degrees offered is a B.S. in Communications Media with an emphasis in Entertainment Media. The course which I am proposing would be particularly applicable to this degree.
"SouthLAnd" is a television series centering around the lives and work of officers of the Los Angeles Police Department. It is a work of fiction, but the storylines are based on the actual experiences of these officers. The show began its run in 2008 and will be entering its 5th season on the network TNT in February of 2013.
Media students may benefit from the study of the following aspects of "SouthLAnd":
1. technical -- cinematography and sound: "SouthLAnd" is filmed primarily on location using hand-held cameras. Much of the work is done outdoors. A lot of the action and dialogue take place in moving vehicles. These things present special challenges to the film-maker. Learning how these challenges are met by the technical crew of "SouthLAnd" would be invaluable to the students.
2. writing -- The students will:
a. examine how character arcs are adequately developed when a series contains a relatively large number of main characters, as this show does.
b. study how the development of each character in this show leads to many possibilities for future plot lines. The students may also practice writing future plot lines for the various personas, with a special emphasis on keeping each one appropriately in character, and yet letting each develop in a manner that would be engaging to an audience.
c. learn how to write appropriately for this specific genre, asking -- for each type of character -- how he/she would think, speak, and behave. This may be a bit difficult for young film students, but is an essential part of learning to write a story well.
3. directing -- The students will:
a. study how this job is structured when a show is as complex as "SouthLAnd". Each show involves many locations, scenes, and story lines. Is the job delegated to many assistant directors? If so, how much say does the principal director have over the decisions of the assistant directors? How do they coordinate their activities? If the show is directed -- for the most part -- by one person, how does that individual schedule his/her time in order to complete each episode efficiently? How does that individual ensure the quality of each episode when being bound by a tight shooting schedule?
b. examine how to direct a show that may contain some disturbing elements -- such as the violence which would necessarily be a part of this type of series. The students will ask themselves how these elements can be realistically and appropriately portrayed. I believe "SouthLAnd" does an excellent job with this, and the students could greatly benefit from a study of it.
c. examine how to direct a show that contains some elements that may be personally uncomfortable for them -- such as strong language and sexual content. How does a director handle these scenes, so as to ensure the show's realism, while at the same time ensuring that the cast and crew are treated with dignity.
4. production: "SouthLAnd" utilizes many different locations and sets for each episode. The students will study how such a complex series is managed by those tasked with both securing locations and props and decorating sets.
5. public relations and marketing -- The students will:
a. learn how a target audience for a show such as "SouthLAnd" is determined.
b. learn how a target audience for this show would be reached and how the marketing of the show to that target audience would be best accomplished, based on that audience's demographic.
c. ask themselves what type of television network would be a good fit for a show of this genre, and learn how to best pitch that show to such a network.
d. discover how the cooperation of the LAPD has been enlisted for the production of "SouthLAnd". What was necessary for that cooperation to come about? What is necessary for that cooperation to be sustained over several seasons?
6. Catholic thought -- As this is a Catholic university, the students can examine this show relative to Catholic teaching, as follows:
a. The students will ask themselves what qualities of each character and character arc, and which elements of the individual episodes and overall story lines, are consistent with authentic Catholic teaching. Having discovered this, they can examine how these things are presented in a way that is believable and sensitive, not "preachy" or condescending.
b. The students will also ask themselves what elements of the show are not strictly in line with Catholic thought. They will be asked to discuss, in a way which invites their sincere opinions:
*Is it appropriate for a Catholic person to incorporate non-Catholic ideas into his/her stories?
*If not, why not?
*If so, why?
*How can the inclusion of non-Catholic, or even anti-Catholic, ideas in a television show contribute to beneficial discourse in our society between people of differing opinions?
If you are still reading at this point, thank-you for lending a listening ear to this proposal. I realize that it is problematic in various ways. For example, the students would have to actually watch the show. How they would accomplish that would have to be determined. And the scope of the course I have outlined is quite broad, so it would probably have to be narrowed down quite a bit. I do think, though, that this type of course would benefit an aspiring film-maker. And a case study can be a very valuable learning experience, as the merely conceptual takes on a more concrete form.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Appreciating Gifts Received -- Or, Kudos To The Dems
I am a registered Republican, though a somewhat reluctant one. Because, more importantly, I am a Catholic; and if you study Catholic social teaching, you will realize that it contains ideas of both the Republican and Democratic parties. And some of the ideas embraced by the Democratic Party are very important in Catholic thought. For a while, I was registered as a non-partisan. But, for various reasons, I decided it would be a good idea to choose a party, so I chose the GOP. I tend to be a limited government sort of person. I also believe in the idea of subsidiarity, which is important in both Catholic thought and conservative politics. In this post, though, I am going to speak of the ways in which the Democrats have enriched my life all through the years. And these are things for which I am truly grateful. And when I ponder these things, it keeps me from being too partisan.
Long before I was born, my Italian great-grandfather lived in the United States. While here, I am told that he helped form the Furriers Union. So, as you can see, I have connections to the Democratic Party that go way back. After a while, this great-grandfather returned to Italy. But, when his children were grown, he sent them to America, to have better lives than they could make for themselves as peasant farmers in the "Old Country." One of these children was my grandmother, Adele Caffoni. She was followed to New York by her "boyfriend" -- Aldo Argenti. Who, by the way, was almost immediately sent back to the land of his birth for fibbing to the immigration authorities about something or other. He was in a holding cell on Ellis Island when a kind relative of my grandmother's showed up to bail him out, thus saving my future existence. As a married couple, both of my grandparents worked blue-collar jobs -- factory work, construction, janitorial services. And, as they explained it to me, they would never have had the pay, benefits, and security in retirement that they had without the efforts of the Democratic Party. The Party of the Working Man. And they did not squander the efforts of their party, either. They were frugal and saved their money, and thus they were able to help their own children get a "leg up" in life. My grandparents gave their children good educations and some financial assistance starting out in life, because of the benefits the Democrats helped them secure. Their own children took this help from their parents with grateful hearts, worked hard, and achieved a good standard of living for themselves. Thus, I get a little annoyed when certain conservatives accuse the Democrats of wanting to give "hand-outs" to undeserving people. I have seen that, with proper stewardship, less fortunate people can use these "hand-outs" to help themselves and their progeny achieve better lives. Lives during which, by the way, they will pay their fair share of taxes to help other less fortunate people.
I am also very grateful to the Democratic Party for my high school and college educations. I attended a private elementary school (grades 1-8), where books, supplies, and heat during the winter always seemed to be in short supply. I remember doing assignments on paper that resembled recycled paper towels and shivering in the classroom during the winter. And sharing a textbook with another child, when one of you is on page 20 and the other is on page 30, can be a bit stressful when you are 9 years old. So, when I went to a public high school, I was basically in educational heaven. It was calm, orderly, clean, and well-stocked. The teachers were well-trained, and most knew how to inspire a kid with positive words of encouragement. I attended a publicly-funded college, as well -- San Francisco State University. There I was given the opportunity to get a very good education alongside people of diverse opinions and walks-of-life. This was invaluable to me, as it helped me learn how to enjoy and appreciate all kinds of people. I also found, at these public institutions, that my rather conservative religious and political views were treated with respect by my teachers and classmates. We were able to talk with each other about our differing ideas in a way that was positive for all. I never felt like I was treated badly by anyone -- instructor or student -- because of my more traditional opinions. To me, it was the best of what you might call a truly liberal education. An education where all points of view are considered in the discussion, in a fair and respectful manner, with everyone still calling each other "friend" at the end of the day.
Because of programs championed by the Democrats, I had many enriching experiences as I grew up. There was that wonderful summer school program where I got to play Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. There were swimming lessons, which provided me with a healthy, life-long activity that I love. There were also dance lessons, driving lessons, library books, opportunities to attend plays -- I could go on and on... Without the Democrats, I would probably not have been able to partake in any of these activities. My father did have a good job and we had a wonderful home-life, but his income would not have supported these things, even if he was in a lower tax bracket.
And I have to say this about publicly-funded programs, also -- especially those of an educational type. They do provide the opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to interact. And this is something that I believe to be of great value -- at least it was for me and for others I have known.
So, this Republican tips her hat to the Democrats. I recognize the value in much that you have done. And I hope we can all work together for the common good.
Long before I was born, my Italian great-grandfather lived in the United States. While here, I am told that he helped form the Furriers Union. So, as you can see, I have connections to the Democratic Party that go way back. After a while, this great-grandfather returned to Italy. But, when his children were grown, he sent them to America, to have better lives than they could make for themselves as peasant farmers in the "Old Country." One of these children was my grandmother, Adele Caffoni. She was followed to New York by her "boyfriend" -- Aldo Argenti. Who, by the way, was almost immediately sent back to the land of his birth for fibbing to the immigration authorities about something or other. He was in a holding cell on Ellis Island when a kind relative of my grandmother's showed up to bail him out, thus saving my future existence. As a married couple, both of my grandparents worked blue-collar jobs -- factory work, construction, janitorial services. And, as they explained it to me, they would never have had the pay, benefits, and security in retirement that they had without the efforts of the Democratic Party. The Party of the Working Man. And they did not squander the efforts of their party, either. They were frugal and saved their money, and thus they were able to help their own children get a "leg up" in life. My grandparents gave their children good educations and some financial assistance starting out in life, because of the benefits the Democrats helped them secure. Their own children took this help from their parents with grateful hearts, worked hard, and achieved a good standard of living for themselves. Thus, I get a little annoyed when certain conservatives accuse the Democrats of wanting to give "hand-outs" to undeserving people. I have seen that, with proper stewardship, less fortunate people can use these "hand-outs" to help themselves and their progeny achieve better lives. Lives during which, by the way, they will pay their fair share of taxes to help other less fortunate people.
I am also very grateful to the Democratic Party for my high school and college educations. I attended a private elementary school (grades 1-8), where books, supplies, and heat during the winter always seemed to be in short supply. I remember doing assignments on paper that resembled recycled paper towels and shivering in the classroom during the winter. And sharing a textbook with another child, when one of you is on page 20 and the other is on page 30, can be a bit stressful when you are 9 years old. So, when I went to a public high school, I was basically in educational heaven. It was calm, orderly, clean, and well-stocked. The teachers were well-trained, and most knew how to inspire a kid with positive words of encouragement. I attended a publicly-funded college, as well -- San Francisco State University. There I was given the opportunity to get a very good education alongside people of diverse opinions and walks-of-life. This was invaluable to me, as it helped me learn how to enjoy and appreciate all kinds of people. I also found, at these public institutions, that my rather conservative religious and political views were treated with respect by my teachers and classmates. We were able to talk with each other about our differing ideas in a way that was positive for all. I never felt like I was treated badly by anyone -- instructor or student -- because of my more traditional opinions. To me, it was the best of what you might call a truly liberal education. An education where all points of view are considered in the discussion, in a fair and respectful manner, with everyone still calling each other "friend" at the end of the day.
Because of programs championed by the Democrats, I had many enriching experiences as I grew up. There was that wonderful summer school program where I got to play Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. There were swimming lessons, which provided me with a healthy, life-long activity that I love. There were also dance lessons, driving lessons, library books, opportunities to attend plays -- I could go on and on... Without the Democrats, I would probably not have been able to partake in any of these activities. My father did have a good job and we had a wonderful home-life, but his income would not have supported these things, even if he was in a lower tax bracket.
And I have to say this about publicly-funded programs, also -- especially those of an educational type. They do provide the opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to interact. And this is something that I believe to be of great value -- at least it was for me and for others I have known.
So, this Republican tips her hat to the Democrats. I recognize the value in much that you have done. And I hope we can all work together for the common good.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Ben And The Bunnies
SouthLAnd. Yep. Told you I was obsessed with this show. So, I am going to talk about it some more today. I will probably talk about it on a lot of days. Sorry if this bores you, but I just can't help it. The whole thing is just so much damn fun.
Officer Ben Sherman is one of the main characters on SouthLAnd. He is played by Ben McKenzie. Anything Ben McKenzie does is pretty much worth watching -- and not just because of his forearms, either. Anyway, Officer Sherman is a rookie, having typical rookie experiences. There are things that shake him up, knock him down, rock his world. Things that inflate his ego, too. So, with all this emotional drama taking place inside his soul, what better refuge could there be than the bunnies -- the badge bunnies. Or, as my daughter called them, the badge "buddies" -- a term that I like better. It just makes me grin.
What is a badge bunny, you may ask? She is a hot, young (or maybe not-so-young, yet well-maintained) lady, who likes to give cops a good time. Maybe she is hoping to get one for her very own, to have and to hold, for the rest of her life. Or, maybe she is just being recreational about the whole thing. One should not try to stereotype the bunnies.
Well, Officer Ben likes the bunnies and they like him. All seems well and happy, especially when things are going his way on the job. And even when things might not go his way, the bunnies put a smile on his face and a spring in his step. As time goes on, though, and Ben is assaulted spiritually, mentally, and physically by what goes on in his very stressful job, we see a shift in his relationship with the bunnies. He is still cavorting his way through his time off in the company of these beautiful gals, but he starts to look a little disturbed at times. You just see it in his face. (And nobody, absolutely nobody, can nail an appropriate facial expression like Ben McKenzie.) He starts to look a little tortured -- especially after he punches a teenaged girl in the nose while on a call, and a video of the whole thing ends up on the internet -- and he realizes that at least some of the bunnies are "turned on" by this incident, an incident of which he himself is not in the least bit proud. We see a process going on that is a bit like something that might happen with alcohol. The more Ben's soul and psyche are assaulted by the dark side of society, which he has to deal with each and every moment on the job, the more the badge bunnies become a self-medicating addiction, a coping mechanism. And this very good, idealistic young man sees himself behaving in ways of which he appears to be ashamed, and yet he almost can't help it.
What do I take away from all of this? A couple of things. Maybe Hollywood doesn't always promote "illicit" sexual behavior as much as I might have assumed. Ben's "sewing of his wild oats" may be illustrated as just fun-loving behavior at times, but it is also shown as something that reflects the pain in his heart. And this reminds me to be careful about judging people. A person's situation, choices, and actions may just be, and probably are, more complicated than I might think. And maybe a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on may be what someone actually needs from me.
Officer Ben Sherman is one of the main characters on SouthLAnd. He is played by Ben McKenzie. Anything Ben McKenzie does is pretty much worth watching -- and not just because of his forearms, either. Anyway, Officer Sherman is a rookie, having typical rookie experiences. There are things that shake him up, knock him down, rock his world. Things that inflate his ego, too. So, with all this emotional drama taking place inside his soul, what better refuge could there be than the bunnies -- the badge bunnies. Or, as my daughter called them, the badge "buddies" -- a term that I like better. It just makes me grin.
What is a badge bunny, you may ask? She is a hot, young (or maybe not-so-young, yet well-maintained) lady, who likes to give cops a good time. Maybe she is hoping to get one for her very own, to have and to hold, for the rest of her life. Or, maybe she is just being recreational about the whole thing. One should not try to stereotype the bunnies.
Well, Officer Ben likes the bunnies and they like him. All seems well and happy, especially when things are going his way on the job. And even when things might not go his way, the bunnies put a smile on his face and a spring in his step. As time goes on, though, and Ben is assaulted spiritually, mentally, and physically by what goes on in his very stressful job, we see a shift in his relationship with the bunnies. He is still cavorting his way through his time off in the company of these beautiful gals, but he starts to look a little disturbed at times. You just see it in his face. (And nobody, absolutely nobody, can nail an appropriate facial expression like Ben McKenzie.) He starts to look a little tortured -- especially after he punches a teenaged girl in the nose while on a call, and a video of the whole thing ends up on the internet -- and he realizes that at least some of the bunnies are "turned on" by this incident, an incident of which he himself is not in the least bit proud. We see a process going on that is a bit like something that might happen with alcohol. The more Ben's soul and psyche are assaulted by the dark side of society, which he has to deal with each and every moment on the job, the more the badge bunnies become a self-medicating addiction, a coping mechanism. And this very good, idealistic young man sees himself behaving in ways of which he appears to be ashamed, and yet he almost can't help it.
What do I take away from all of this? A couple of things. Maybe Hollywood doesn't always promote "illicit" sexual behavior as much as I might have assumed. Ben's "sewing of his wild oats" may be illustrated as just fun-loving behavior at times, but it is also shown as something that reflects the pain in his heart. And this reminds me to be careful about judging people. A person's situation, choices, and actions may just be, and probably are, more complicated than I might think. And maybe a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on may be what someone actually needs from me.
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