Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 11/06/23

Here are a couple media items that caught my attention over the weekend.

From Bill Maher: For all the progressives and academics who refer to Israel as an “outpost of Western civilization” like it’s a bad thing, please note: Western civilization is what gave the world pretty much every…liberal precept that liberals are supposed to adore (including) individual liberty, scientific inquiry, rule of law, religious freedom, women’s rights, human rights, democracy, trial by jury (and) freedom of speech…Since one can find all these concepts in today’s Israel and virtually nowhere else in the Middle East, if anything, the world would be a better place if it had more Israels. Of course, this message falls on deaf ears to the  current crop who reduce everything to being victims or victimizers. So, Israel is lumped in as the toxic fruit of the victimizing West. The irony being that all marginalized people live better today because of Western ideals, not on spite of them.

IMHO: I don’t always agree with Bill Maher but when I agree with him I really agree with him. We have, I believe, reached the point where the simple law of balance requires the West to take a step back from constant self-flagellation and guilt wallowing. Yes, the history of Western Civilization (including the US and Israel) is far from perfect on a host of issues but the same can be said for the Islamic world, Asia and, yes, Africa. Our faith tells us to admit our imperfections and learn from our poor choices – not to wallow in them. It’s also time for this generation to cease assuming moral superiority over previous generations that, for all their faults, overall moved society in the right direction and got us to a far better place than they had to deal with. A positive future for the world lies not in a so-called Reckoning but in mutual acceptance and forgiveness.
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From The Hollywood Reporter’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves Review – A Commanding David Oyelowo Can’t Mask the Blandness of Paramount+’s History Lesson. What does Lawmen: Bass Reeves understand about Bass Reeves as a man to begin with? Almost nothing. He is — and I’ve been repeating this word purposefully — compassionate.

IMHO: Not having yet had the opportunity to watch this show (which premiered yesterday on Paramount+), I can say that some of the aspects the series that the critic seems to suggest renders it “bland” actually make me want to see it. I’m all for a show featuring an actual hero who defined by his compassion and ability to transcend anger and resentment. Count me in.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.