Scott Freeman

It’s Not OK To Be Demean Yourself

I’m working at home today because my middle daughter has been sick. When I work at home while keeping the girls they watch TV.

Way too much TV. Our girls are in the habit of saying “I want to get that” whenever a commercial comes on for some toy that catches their eye.

Far too often, said toy is from the Bratz line of dolls that are far too popular. They know, of course, that the answer will be no.

That other kids may get those dolls but we will not get them for our girls. Because the message of these dolls is a message that is far too prevalent in our society: that it is ok to be petulant, spoiled, immodest and bratty.

We are in a culture that often appeals to the lowest common denominator. And, as a result, people are commodified and marketed. Prurient interests become a market category.

And square in the crosshairs of those who would profit from such titillating merchandising are my children. A 3 year old. A 5 year old.

It’s part of the larger cultural message that says that you can be anything you want to be, do anything you want to do. And don’t let anyone stand in your way.
If you want it, it’s yours.
If you name it, you can claim it.
Be your own Higher Power. With a little positive mental attitude, elbow grease and karma you can carve out your own destiny.
The end is your happiness. So dress the way YOU want, behave the way YOU want, market yourself so you can get what YOU deserve.
And if you have to tart yourself up a little bit, so be it.

You may be thinking “Scott, it’s just a toy. Lighten up.” Well, yes and no. I understand that playing with a Bratz doll will not make my daughters more predisposed to dressing like a tramp than me watching Studio 60 makes me want to write bad television.

But look at the two leading female headline-grabbers today: Anna Nicole and Britney. Two cautionary tales that highlight the fact that any kind of prosperity theology, or Oprah “Secret” or “power of positive thinking” claptrap is antithetical to a true “best life now.”
That how you market yourself is often predictive of how you will behave.
If you market yourself as petulant and spoiled then your behavior will become such.
If your end-game of happiness is wealth and feeling good then pleasure at all costs becomes a god.

And that is not the message I want my girls to get. Because Osteen, Oprah, the Bratz manufacturers, Britney, et al are missing a very important message: that the road to true peace and prosperity is not through being self-focused. It is not about getting what you want.
It is not about money, fame, prestige or scoring the lustful gazes of others.

It is about sacrifice, humility, meekness.
It’s about following in the example of Christ.
Wanna know “The Secret?” It’s Jesus.
Wanna know how to be prosperous? Set your hopes on things above.
Wanna truly make a difference? Live a life worthy of the calling.
Wanna make people look upon you with true admiration? Get ugly and dirty yourselves with the lives of people.

Now, if they come out with servyntz dolls. I’m all over that.