Cartoons and Political News

I recently saw a meme that said, "Overheard a lady saying she won't let her kid watch Peppa Pig because it encourages bad behavior like 'jumping in puddles.' I watched Road Runner as a kid and haven't blown anyone up with dynamite—yet." The whole thing got me thinking about the area of influence, especially when it comes to what we allow into our lives.

If you’re worried about what your kids are watching, it’s worth considering what you’re watching, too. So, with what lens are you viewing the news these days? Here’s a little piece of advice: “But test them all; hold on to what is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21, NIV).

Right now, adults are bombarded with sensational headlines that often evoke fear and negativity--even if you don't have the habit of watching the news.

It works either way... If you believe that cartoons can negatively impact young minds, then you should recognize that the news can likely have the same effect on adults. in the same way, if you think a cartoon is a harmless entertainment, then it's time to question how you diggest "The News" from your favorite news channel as facts. Now, if you are one of those who choose to avoid it all... let me say this...

Choosing to ignore media—whether it’s cartoons or the news—might seem like a way to go, but know it can actually lead to a harmful disconnect from the world around us. By pretending these influences don’t exist, we miss important opportunities to engage with relevant issues and understand diverse perspectives. know that ignorance can foster apathy toward the challenges others face, making it harder for us to act with compassion and love.

In Philippians 4:8 (NIV), the Apostle Paul offers guidance that is applicable here: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This scripture invites you to engage with the world around us thoughtfully. It encourages us to pay attention to all we encounter while retaining the good amidst the noise. In other words... we should approach media thoughtfully, discerning what is good and uplifting so we can better participate in the conversations and actions that shape our communities and reflect God’s grace.

In the current media environment, we can cultivate discernment by focusing on stories that uplift and inspire. Rather than being swept away by negativity, we can seek out narratives of hope, integrity, and community. This approach not only impacts our perspectives but also shapes how we engage in conversations about faith, society, and justice.

In the end, our task is to model this balanced approach, not just for ourselves but for the younger generations as well. By demonstrating how to navigate the complexities of both children’s shows and adult news, we can foster a culture that values constructive dialogue and critical thinking.

As we engage with various media forms, let us remember to focus on the good, drawing from God’s grace to guide our discussions and actions. In doing so, we embody a spirit of love and understanding, reflecting the light of Christ in a world often filled with shadows. By allowing perfect love to drive out fear, we cultivate a space where we can engage with media, one another, and the world around us with compassion and discernment.