The Need for Pop Culture to Reflect Traditional Values

By Stanley Kimmel Kesselman

The strength of our democracy rests upon a foundation of traditional values. Pop culture is at war with those values and our children. Because our district is home to media we must lead the fight for cultural uplift.

When I was young, I used to hear, "Honesty is the best policy." That was taught in school. Certainly, not everyone in the 1950's was honest, but it was a shared public goal to which we aspired. Today, such a virtuous notion may seem laughable. And sadly, how many follow the 1961 advice of President John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country"? Those inspirational words of a Democratic President draw snickers today in Democratic circles. I am a former-Democrat-turned-Republican in part because I still believe in President Kennedy's inspirational words.

Much blame lies with our local industries. Films today are too often violent, drug infested, over-sexed, infantilizing, and vulgar or worse in values and language. Meanwhile, the rap/hip-hop music world, so influential with our youth, ought to shake us to the core with anger over its crudeness, violence, and ugliness. As for TV, it is mostly a land of juvenile stupidity, sensationalism, superficiality, if-it-bleeds-it-leads, loveless sex, self-absorption, and hyper-kinetic commercialism. Yes, a few good shows are a saving grace. But is anyone proud of the culture transmitted by TV to our children?

The coarsening and infantilizing of our nation is the product of a pop culture that appeals to baser instincts rather than seeking to elevate. It has been a quarter-century race to the basement. Yes, my apologies for using a broad brush, but in the broad sense I have it right. And to our creative people who give us excellence against the coarsening tide, you are truly cultural heroes. America thanks you.

Our children are the future. Most of us know the media is diminishing that future. Pop culture shouldn't be the enemy of our ideals. And it is terribly wrong that our twenty-four year incumbent Congressman has been a silent witness to the cultural wreckage wrought by so much L.A. trash. Of course, Congress doesn't vote on what the entertainment industry produces. Parents, schools, and our faiths are on the front line in transmitting decent values to our impressionable young people. However, our district's Congressman has a special responsibility to be a strong voice for quality media production. He ought to lead the fight to educate the media so that it supports a critical truth: our long term survival in an unforgiving world depends upon America's moral character. We need self reliant and decent citizens and Hollywood must not war against that need.

Can we change the media? An aroused and determined people can do anything. A great Congressman can lead the way. And our district's enormous pool of creative talent can do the job.