HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
 By Argile Stox Jan. 8, 2006 “Four NBC affiliates refuse to air ‘Daniel’ New drama features Episcopal priest with gay son – MSNBC.” Suppose for one moment that a high ranking clergy member of your faith began abusing prescription drugs (and this individual also teaches an anti-drug course in their church) and claimed to see and talk to Jesus Christ. Let us go one step further – The priest had knowledge of his own children dealing drugs and had knowledge of one members of his flock - committed murder. These are the plot twists and back story of the new NBC television show, “The Book of Daniel.” I agree that clergy individual’s have the same family, social, and economic problems like the rest of us mere mortals – especially those clergy who are allowed to marry and sire offspring. In addition, clergy members must deal with their congregations’ mental and sexual problems, to which, they seek the advice of the clergy member. Yet, if the clergy member is a pill popper, is heading for a nervous breakdown, and showing signs of schizophrenia (hearing voices, seeing and or speaking to Jesus Christ) – would it not be advisable or even an urgent matter to relieve this religious community leader of their duties in their respective houses of worship? In recent years, the Catholic Church and other religious orders have taken a beating in the media – for the immoral conduct of their priests. I agree that all religious orders need an immediate cultural makeover – to indicate to the general population that their religious organization is not out of touch with their parishioners. I just do not see the television program, The Book of Daniel to be the blueprint for religious leaders to follow in the early stages of the twenty-first century. In the 1950’s,1960’s, & early 1970’s – as the popularity of television sets began to infiltrate homes that were once dominated by radio, the public was inundated by utopian half hour broadcasts the likes of The Donna Reed Show, Father Knows Best, My Three Sons, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Bewitched, I Dream of Genie, and a host of others. The media, through the influence and funding of Mr. Joseph P Kennedy was trying to shape American ideologies of the ‘perfect family and how to overcome life’s problems,’ in twenty-two minutes. Then, Vietnam, Watergate, and a host of other political, social, and world events shattered the innocent ideologies of the American household. Aside from the salute to the popular western television show “Wild, Wild, West” when The Book of Daniel breaks for commercials – the entire plot of the show is based on the supposed ‘reality’ of American life and how this clergyman deals with it. However, I would think that either a distant family member, a member of the congregation, or others would experience the slow / rapid degeneration of the clergy members’ mental state before their eyes – and blow the whistle, and get that individual help. Would that not be the right thing to do? In addition – Yes, there are individual’s all around the country that preach the evils of drug abuse, casual sex, violations of ethics – and are ‘on the down-low,’ continually practice those illicit behaviors – and get away with it. “Do as I say, not as I do” applies. What type of message are the writer’s of The Book of Daniel trying to convey to viewers? “Hey, this is reality – get used to it! If you see this happening in your house of worship, do not step in – just let it happen…?” Readers of my past columns know full well that I tend to lean to the ‘liberal right’ on many social issues. It would not surprise them if I condoned the show The Book of Daniel – and said, “Right on.” I have news for everyone – I have my limits, and The Book of Daniel must undergo some serious re-writes or be cancelled. If you, Dear Reader watch Desperate Housewives or The “L” Word – you have been warned of the explicate nature of the shows. However, The Book of Daniel is being promoted as the twenty-first century family hour show’s answer to Touched By An Angel and or other past family viewing shows of that nature. My answer is, “Who Are You Kidding?” I was not born the day before yesterday! Tracy and I watched the first installment of The Book of Daniel. At the conclusion of the show – we entered into a discussion about the show. We are not religious. We are not Bible thumpers, and we are secure in our religious beliefs. However, we both agreed that The Book of Daniel was an affront to our intellect – and the show must be re-written or dumped from the NBC program line-up. The Book of Daniel television show is maybe “ahead of its time” like the ground-breaking program, All In The Family. However, All In The Family blasted the Victorian-ish racial, sexual, and political ideologies of the time – through laughter. All In The Family was just one of the shows aired in the 1970’s that modified and changed American way of thinking – through great writing and quick-wit. There is nothing to laugh about in the television program, The Book of Daniel. NBC is currently number four in the Neilson Television Viewer Rating Service. I fear that network will sink even lower – passing the early morning “Farm Report,” falling rapidly into the ratings cellar. Okay, maybe I am wrong. Maybe The Book of Daniel has some social redeeming values. If that is the case – will someone please enlighten me? I am always open to new intellectual trains of thought. Prove me right or prove me wrong – I await your response to the issues I have raised in this column. On your mark – Get set – Start your keyboards! ------------ Email Argile Stox: argilestox@gmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
