DRAMA!

Drama. Real life drama is an amazing thing to be a part of. Whether it involves some sort of horror, or an incredible experience of joy- it is amazing. Our whole being reacts in those moments- we are wholly seized by the situation. Sometimes it is a personal drama, in which we are the only player. Other times, our senses are overwhelmed as a group of people- even unto sharing in a 'world event', via media. Recently, people across the whole world were taken on a journey of horror, grief, sorrow, concern...and exuberant joy over the course of Chilean miners who were trapped for days; before our eyes, the whole drama unfolded- Even in their escape, we were held captive of their story.

Then we have, what I call: Disney Drama. This is what a great portion of our culture seems to, mistankingly, hang much of their precious energy upon. Whether it is a 'day-time-soap', 'prime-time drama', teeny-bopper tail, movie...or even a so called 'reality show'-- our human nature is magnetized and energized. It is a very interesting phenomenon.

I haven't seen any studies on this- but I imagine, from my own observation, there are at least a slightly higher number of females drawn into the dramas than males. At least it appears that females are being marketed to more often. Women tend to be most interested in these, by nature; not sure what it is exactly- I speculate it has to do with their general 'nuturing tendencies', and desire to experience a 'rescue', the best being their own (by a strong, handsome, gentleman riding in a white horse- to be exact).

Men would generally be attracted to the struggle- and opportunity to be the hero of the story, or at the least- cheer him on and think of themself as one of character in tune with the winner of whatever battle is raging.

The concern is when people, of either gender, become confused about when drama is REAL, and when it is NOT real. Real-life drama has a life or death issue of some kind at stake. Too many people are taking themselves, especially emotionally, to such heights as those worthy of a real-life drama- when in fact, the situation is the 'just life stuff' of living. The world won't actually end in these situations- at the most, it may change...but not end. (Not sure about this? Hang-out in a Junior High cafeteria for awhile.)

Many adults have left the media-drama-driven-door open to their young people. Not purposefully, mostly apathetically. And perhaps to these adults, what they are watching are to them- tame, and they have no problem discerning the UNreality of it. What these adults are not considering, is that their children- who are developmentally experiencing much of their world still in a land still thraught with imagination; where real/unreal coexist harmoniously. It can be very difficult for them to sort out 'it's just a show'. Not only this- but they begin to transfer this sensation over to their real world, and will imitate fiction in their lives.

The adult producers of the drama-culture in media don't care- after all, it makes money! People eat it up! So that then 'justifies' its production. They continue to crank out 'hit after hit' to take advantage of the young appetites for drama- which becomes insatiable. Many a parent considers it 'harmless entertainment' and happily provide a steady stream of the 'fun' stuff- feeling satified that they have the 'admiration' of their children by them providing it to them. The children are jubilant to live out their lives vicariously through the many media venues available.

It is a dangerous symbiosis. We adults must awaken to the truth. We must stop long enough, pull away from our flesh desire to be momentary heros to our children, and connect the dots to check the consequences to our children...to our society...by continuing to allow such folly into our childrens' lives. What are we setting them up for? Isn't there enough real-life drama to learn to deal with effectually...and most are not solved in a half-hour, or even two-hours!

We would do well to become watchful- to observe, to discern...and then be intentional in protecting and securing our children from this insidious danger to their development. Oh my, yes- our children may deem us dreaded for a day, or longer, because we said 'no' to the bombardment of desire-- But, we must keep our eye on their future good, not their present delight.

It will not be an easy task...it may even produce some of its own real-life-drama! But friends- you also have the opportunity to be real-life-heroes to your children here....even our society...by stepping in front of your child to shield them from becoming developmentally stunted by the unrealistic, and damaging beliefs actions being infused into your childrens' lives. You can teach and equip them to deal with real-life in the days and years ahead.

So grab your capes Mom and Dad- and stand firm!