More than written words in a textbook...

I was sitting at the table tonight with my daughter. She had what she called a "terrible" day (well actually she used a word I didn't like and I had to spend ten minutes getting on to her before our chat, but that is another story for another post.). Anyhow, she was chattering away about her day, going through her schedule, when something she said grabbed my attention...

"In Social Studies Mrs. P. talked about 9/11, but didn't show us any video because she said it was too graphic..."

What?


I'm a mother who cares about what her kids watch, not to say I don't catch them sneaking in the cartoon network channel every once in a while. But I am a stickler for ratings and what I consider "appropriate" for their age. Call me old fashion. Call me a "mean" mom. Call me boring, but my kids know I have to check a movie out before they watch it... sorry "G.I. Joe" and 'Transformers," this mean mom didn't think you made the cut this year.


And before I go any further, I am not here to judge your parenting if your kids did see those particular flicks...not where I am headed with this at all. (Although I would like to ask the movie people why they don't think they could make even more money on a movie if they make it where it is enjoyable for adults and appropriate for kids at the same time?!!!)


Anyway, my point is this... Many of my kids friends and classmates went and saw the actioned packed movies. I know loads of teenagers that filled the theater to scream at the latest horror flick. I know children who sit in their rooms every night and "play" killing on video games. I know three year old babies who have witnessed more blood and gore on the big screen than my daughter has in thirteen years... so why would video of 9/11 be considered too graphic? Are we telling our kids that violence is alright as long as it is fantasy? That we can watch what ever we want as long as it isn't reality?

I don't know how you feel, but this is my opinion...


This generation is accused of being spoiled, of not knowing hardship, of taking freedom totally for granted. I believe in sheltering them from some things, but not at the risk of them not appreciating what they have been given and for those who risked everything to give that to them. 9/11 was a part of history. It was tragic. It was violent. It was earth shattering. It was life changing.


Yet, I don't want it to become just written words in a textbook for my daughter, who was only almost five and doesn't remember anything about that day, to read. I had studied about the World Wars in my history books, but until I watched "Saving Private Ryan" as an adult, I never really visualized or respected what my own grandpas went through in war.

Too graphic...


This mom doesn't think so... for once I think my children should know and "visually" understand what happened eight years ago. It needs to be remembered as more than just another story on a page. Sometimes we need to be a little scared, and left speechless. Sometimes tears are needed. We need to know where we come from as a country, in order to make the right decisions in the future.

Last time I checked, my kids were the future...

Prayers go to all the families who lost precious loved ones that day. Time heals, but I know hearts are still breaking even today.

Thanks goes to everyone who risks their lives everyday, for freedoms we often take for granted.

Most of all, thank you, Lord, for being a tower of great strength and our refuge in times of trouble. Amen.