OPINION:
Worldwide Christian evangelist Franklin Graham sent out a scathing criticism on Facebook of the NFL’s halftime Super Bowl show, accusing the pertinent players of outright “sexual exploitation” of women and children.
He’s right.
It’s such a curious matter that women spent all those decades trying to achieve equality with men — only to wear thongs and dance in super-sexualized manners all in the name of female empowerment. ’Cause that’s how Shakira and Jennifer Lopez and their fans are trying to sing it, post-Super Bowl halftime show.
But how is setting oneself as an object of sex an act of empowerment?
Female empowerment should come from brains, not body. Or if it comes from body, it should be due to athleticism, or ability to overcome great physical odds, climb great and strenuous heights, and so forth and so on. Not due to looking good in a bikini — or being able to swing high from a stripper pole.
As Graham wrote: “I don’t expect the world to act like the church, but our country has had a sense of moral decency on prime time television in order to protect children. We see that disappearing before our eyes. It was demonstrated … in the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show — with millions of children watching. This exhibition was Pepsi showing young girls that sexual exploitation of women is okay.”
And here’s the main matter to mull: Child sex trafficking is a real thing. Human sex trafficking is a massive money-making for evil. Pretending as if performances on national television that are sexually charged and played during prime time isn’t a damaging message to minors, or a disgusting sign of cultural decay, is delusional.
“With the exploitation of women on the rise worldwide,” Graham wrote, “instead of lowering the standard, we as a society should be raising it.”
By and large, commenters on his Facebook page agreed.
“It was so disgusting,” one wrote, “I only watched the first few minutes.”
And another: “I thank God my grandchildren weren’t here. What a horrible example for young girls, AND boys. Totally inappropriate.”
But that’s entertainment, America 2020 style.
“Disturbing,” as one Facebook commenter below Graham’s remarks put it.
“Embarrassing,” as another wrote.
“Sick,” yet another wrote.
At least America hasn’t morally spiraled to the point where some people aren’t disturbed, embarrassed, sickened or — as another wrote — “disgust[ed].”
The fact that some are gives hope.
• Cheryl Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com or on Twitter, @ckchumley. Listen to her podcast “Bold and Blunt” by clicking HERE. And never miss her column; subscribe to her newsletter by clicking HERE.
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