<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1654874238799,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"00000166-a247-d45e-a96f-bbefe96e0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1654874238799,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"00000166-a247-d45e-a96f-bbefe96e0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"
var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_54788932", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1029137"} }); ","_id":"00000181-4e30-d405-a3e7-dfb6e6fa0000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedPride Month is difficult to miss with the explosion of rainbow-themed marketing from pandering corporate entities. It’s also hard to avoid when members (some, not all) of the LGBT community move beyond celebrating to insisting that others actively support them. Glance at modern culture, and it’s obvious any personal opposition to the LGBT community is frowned upon. Take, for example, the Tampa Bay Rays players who decided not to wear a rainbow logo on their uniforms. The personal, faith-based decisions weren’t hateful, but they were perceived as such by the very people who cheer on individual choice.
There has been a growing militancy within the LGBT community. Among other things, normalizing gender transitioning for minors and demanding “correct” pronoun usage have increased. So have drag queen events geared toward children. Both “drag queen story hour” and “family-friendly drag shows” are meant to inspire acceptance and diversity. But introducing sexually exaggerated female characters played by men isn’t at all appropriate for children. This position should not be controversial.
Some communities, such as one in Apex, North Carolina, reject these drag-related events. And politicians such as Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton prefer legislation that would actually ban minors from such events. Conservatives are right to be bothered. But the issue should be discussed in a much broader context of parental obligation.
Rejecting drag queen events aimed at children is considered by some to be homophobic. The truth is, there are many events children should never attend and plenty of entertainment they should not consume. Standing between children and mature, violent, and/or sexually explicit things is what adults should be doing. Instead, the issue has become another culture war topic in which the Left is said to be about diversity and the Right is all about hatred. It’s dishonest, lopsided nonsense.
It is the job of parents to set boundaries for their children. Parents are there to guide, discipline, and raise their children into responsible adults. It is not the duty of parents to be their child’s best friend. That modern mindset does so much damage. Saying “no” to children for their own physical, mental, and emotional growth and safety may not be easy, but it must be done.
No, children should not be exposed to drag shows, even ones labeled “family-friendly.” Minors aren’t allowed at strip clubs, for good reason. Movies have age requirements, too. If I allowed my son to watch an episode of The Sopranos with me, I would be doing him a disservice. He is far too young to view it. Protecting him is my job. It is the job of every parent and guardian to protect the children in their care. That this needs to be said is more than a little disheartening.
American society would be much better off if we got back into the unwelcome task of monitoring children. It should not matter what social media influencers, progressive politicians, or the modern LGBT movement want. Children are not in the position to make decisions about a wide range of things that affect the entire scope of their growth. It doesn’t matter if what is portrayed or promoted is heterosexual, homosexual, only kind of violent, or just a little too mature. Children have inestimable worth, and culture diminishes them and their innocence by insisting they should not be shielded. Yes, they should be protected — and not just physically.
Children grow up too quickly. Before long, the innocence of childhood gives way to adulthood. The word “normalize” may be all the rage right now, but it’s just a lazy term for lazy adults who don’t want to put in the effort it takes to protect our most valuable resource.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
