The AFA - The American Fascist Association?

NBC has decided to cancel its controversial new show, Book of Daniel after only a few short weeks on the air. The reason for the cancellation was due to low ratings; however, a conservative Christian group, The AFA, didn't want anybody to see even a single episode, and they were in fact successful in arm-twisting several affiliates of NBC to never air the show at all. Moreover, you don't ever have to see the program to be offended by it; the AFA will send you a handy e-mail to let you know what you should be offended by. So what say you dear reader? Is this an example of democracy at work? Should a rouge group that strictly adheres to a single ideology make dictatorship-like decisions for the "good" of the nation?

The AFA, and its affiliate organizations: One Million Dads / One Million Moms are organizations that lobby's its members to take action against inappropriate television programming, write their congressmen concerning issues they feel are important to them, and otherwise take action in their own community to make it a more "Christen" safe zone. I don't think everything AFA and friends do is wrong nor do I have anything against their Christian roots. In fact, The AFA is, in many respects, just a bigger version of what I hope to achieve someday. So what’s the problem then?

Writing Congress is an honorable act. Encouraging friends and family, and others whom share in your ideologies to not watch a television program because you think they may find it offensive is serving your community. But trying to eliminate things you find offensive so that NO ONE can see them is a fascist move. I do no use the word "fascist" to be facetious, I mean it literally. If someone is offended by a television program, than tune out; and if enough people are offended by the material, then the program will not last.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN!!

One major concern amongst conservative groups is the accessibility of the material to young viewers. Parents say that it is impossible to monitor their children’s television watching habits all of the time. Well, I am afraid that I have some news for you all, THE TELEVISION IS NOT A PARRENT! And neither should you depend on this death-box to do any parenting for you. You, mom and dad (or dad and dad/mom and mom, or any other combo.) are the most influential people in your children’s first twelve years of life. An article in the January 16th, 2006 addition of Time magazine suggests that no children under two should be exposed to ANY television. As for television watching habits of children older than two, hear are some suggestions:

1. No T.V. in the bedroom. This applies to adults as well. Reserve the bedroom for sleeping, reading, homework, making children ;-), but pleas - no television.

2. Block-out the bad programming. Most televisions now have the ability to block out programs with a certain rating, and even whole channels. If you have small children, might I suggest blocking MTV, VH1, BET and TBN.

3. After-school activities. It is not uncommon for both parents to have to work; after school activities is a wonderful way for your children/teens to get involved and keep their heads out of the television. If no activities are provided by your school, check your local YMCA. And if you feel really ambitious, talk with other parents in your neighborhood about a community activity.

4. If your children happens to see offencive material; like say, at a friends house, simply sit them down and explain to them that what they saw was not real, and if applicable, that it was inappropriate behavior. Your children will have a much more firm grasp on reality if you do so.

If you find yourself too busy to spend any time rearing your child, then don't have them. Again, I am absolutely serious about this. If you must depend on the television to do ALL of the parenting then you are not at a place in your life where you should have children. I sympathize with the fact that parents must both work to support their family, and I understand that it is doubly difficult for single parents. But don't be ashamed to ask for help from your family and friends. Your children are worth it.

The AFA also presents itself as an organization representing a Christen society that is under the same danger the Christians of Rome were in under Emperor Nero. They support the Blue Finger Campaign, a (in my opinion) sick comparison of Christians in the U.S. to Iraqi’s voting in Iraq.

The AFA is not the only organization of its kind. And there are organizations on the left, such as the ACLU, fighting to extend our liberties rather than restrict them. It is also true that they may not represent a majority opinion; however, at least for the time being, though they are not the only voice, they are the loudest.

Cody Hobbs