Disregarding The Body – Podcast
The Crisis of our Time
Courtesy of the National Gallery of Art
Companion Posts
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Starting Again
I was born in the sixties. But I am not a child of the 60’s. My family was lower-middle class, and by the standards of the time, traditional in most every way. Dad was a minister. If he or mom had lived into their 90’s they would not have imagined the social changes we have witnessed in the last 20 years. It would be too easy to say the sexual revolution of the 60’s caused all this change, as some conservatives maintain. But the roots of this change go back much further than the swinging 60’s.
So I’m embarking with some misgivings on a survey of cultural history. There are deep intellectual and cultural traditions that have shaped our everyday lives. We’ve come to a point in the Western world where the statement “I’m a woman trapped in a man’s body” is comprehensible to many public leaders, at least in public. That phrase would be completely incomprehensible to my parent’s generation, in public or private, not to mention every preceding generation. It is still incomprehensible to many, if not most people today. But if you express your bewilderment in public, say at many workplaces in the Western world, increasingly the odds are you will be regarded as stupid, immoral or worse. You may be reprimanded for your irrational “phobia.” You might even have your career derailed. If you broadcast your view on a public forum, say Twitter, expect the Twitterati to pounce with the ferocity of a caged unfed Tiger. In certain parts of the world you may even be charged with a hate-crime for your expressed incredulity at the latest massive cultural shift. (See the following posts, here & here.)
As a 60’s poet might say, “The times they are a changin.”
The tectonic cultural shift in the last 20 years is quite breathtaking. Regardless of what you think about gay marriage, we have gone from year 2000 where the majority of Americans were opposed to gay marriage to today where normalization of Transgenderism is fast approaching.
A long and winding road brought us to this point. I want to offer a thoughtful and hopefully generous exposition, from a Classic Christian point of view, of how we got here. As I go, I’ll be documenting some disturbing current events. (Read my next post). I hope that even those who disagree with Classic Christianity will find here a fair and readable assessment of our state of affairs. (post continues page 2)
The Supreme Court, the Porn Industry, and Our Kids: What’s at Stake
[We are called to protect and nurture God’s Good Creation, and nowhere is this responsibility more sacred than in caring for our children. It is our solemn duty to guard their hearts, minds, and futures, ensuring they grow in the light of truth and love.]
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or anyone concerned about the well-being of kids today, here’s something to pay attention to: the anticipated (and hopefully inevitable) clash between the Supreme Court and the pornography industry. (See yesterday’s blogpost). An article in Deseret News outlines this issue in detail, and it’s a wake-up call for anyone who thinks this isn’t a problem. Spoiler alert—it is.
The Big Picture
Right now, there’s growing pressure on the government to do more about the impact of pornography, especially when it comes to kids. The Deseret News article explains how the porn industry has managed to thrive in a largely unregulated online environment, even as its content becomes more graphic and accessible than ever. This is especially alarming given the increasing evidence that exposure to pornography harms young people’s mental health, relationships, and development.
But here’s the twist: the industry isn’t just standing by. It’s fighting back with claims about free speech and personal liberty, hoping to sideline any meaningful regulation. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Why This Matters
Here’s the deal: our kids are growing up in a world where hardcore content is just a click away. Parental controls can only go so far, and the sheer availability of this material makes it incredibly easy for kids to stumble onto things they’re not ready for—or worse, be deliberately targeted.
The harm isn’t hypothetical. Studies have shown that early exposure to pornography can distort kids’ understanding of relationships, consent, and self-worth. It’s not just about “shielding innocence”; it’s about protecting their ability to grow into healthy, well-rounded adults.
What’s Happening in the Courts
According to the article, there’s an opportunity for the Supreme Court to weigh in and set some boundaries for the digital Wild West. Proposals include stricter age verification for explicit websites and holding platforms accountable for failing to block access to minors. Sounds like common sense, right? But getting these laws passed—or upheld—isn’t easy when big money and powerful lobbies are involved.
The porn industry argues that these measures infringe on free speech and privacy. But there’s a line between free expression and exploiting loopholes to profit off harming children. The question is: will the courts draw that line, or will they let the industry continue virtually unchecked?
What We Can Do
While we wait for legal battles to play out, there’s a lot we can do at home and in our communities. Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Have the Talk: It’s uncomfortable, but talking to kids about online dangers (including pornography) is crucial. Equip them with knowledge so they can make good choices.
2. Advocate for Change: Stay informed and support legislation that protects kids online. Reach out to your representatives, or at the very least, share articles like the one in Deseret News to spread awareness.
3. Strengthen Digital Literacy: Teach kids to navigate the internet wisely. Knowing how to spot harmful content—or understand why it’s harmful—is half the battle.
Final Thoughts
The battle (one can hope) between the Supreme Court and the porn industry isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a cultural one. At its heart, it’s about what kind of world we want to create for the next generation. Do we want to protect their innocence, their mental health, and their future relationships? Or do we let profits and unlimited ‘free’ expression dictate the status quo?
It’s not an easy fight, but it’s one worth having. And it starts with all of us paying attention and speaking up.
[SOURCE: Deseret News ]
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Protect Our Children
Why the Supreme Court Needs to Uphold the Texas Age-Verification Law on Pornography
[We are called to protect and nurture God’s Good Creation, and nowhere is this responsibility more sacred than in caring for our children. It is our solemn duty to guard their hearts, minds, and futures, ensuring they grow in the light of truth and love.]
Today, the Supreme Court takes up a case with serious implications for the digital age: the Texas law requiring age verification for accessing online pornography. The case has drawn a spotlight on the critical issues of child protection, free speech, and technology’s role in shaping our society. A group of social scientists and experts—Jonathan Haidt, Jean Twenge, Jason Carroll, Brian Willoughby, and Brad Wilcox—have lent their voices in an amicus brief supporting the law. Their arguments draw from extensive research on the harms of pornography exposure to minors, and here’s why they believe this law matters.
The Case for Age-Verification Laws
The amicus brief makes a clear case: the digital age has transformed the accessibility and nature of pornography. Smartphones and the internet have made explicit content readily available, with minimal barriers. Research cited in the brief reveals that a staggering 97% of boys and 78% of girls between ages 12 and 17 have been exposed to pornography. Many encounter it as early as age 10. Unfortunately, this exposure is not to innocuous content—it often involves violent, degrading, and harmful depictions of sexuality.
This environment is particularly harmful to minors, whose cognitive and emotional development makes them more vulnerable to the effects of such media. The experts argue that traditional methods of limiting access, such as parental controls or content filters, have proven woefully inadequate. In this context, age-verification laws like the Texas statute aim to offer a more effective solution to protect vulnerable populations.
The Harms of Pornography on Minors
The brief underscores a range of negative outcomes associated with early and frequent exposure to pornography:
1. Unhealthy Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors
Minors exposed to pornographic content are more likely to develop permissive sexual attitudes and engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex. This increases the risk of poor health outcomes, teen pregnancies, and emotional distress.
2. Aggression and Violence
Research shows a troubling link between viewing violent pornography and real-life aggression. Minors exposed to such content may normalize or even imitate these behaviors, leading to an increase in sexual harassment, dating violence, and other harmful interactions.
3. Mental Health Challenges
Compulsive consumption of pornography among minors has been linked to addiction-like behaviors, depression, anxiety, and issues with self-esteem and body image.
4. Relationship Instability
Early exposure to pornography is associated with difficulties in forming and maintaining stable, healthy relationships later in life. This has long-term implications for family stability and societal well-being.
A Balancing Act: Free Speech vs. Child Protection
Critics of the Texas law argue it infringes on First Amendment rights by creating barriers to access for adults. However, the amicus brief emphasizes that reasonable restrictions, like age verification, are not about censorship but about protecting minors from demonstrable harm. The brief draws parallels with existing laws on age-restricted content, such as alcohol and tobacco, which reflect society’s commitment to safeguarding youth.
Furthermore, the brief notes that technological advances make it possible to implement these measures without unduly burdening adult users. In fact, many argue that the real question isn’t whether we can protect minors but whether we choose to prioritize their well-being.
Why the Supreme Court Should Support This Law
In their closing arguments, the amici warn against viewing age-verification laws as merely a matter of convenience or free speech. The stakes are higher than ever in an era where the internet saturates every aspect of our lives. Upholding the Texas law would set a precedent that states can take proactive steps to protect children in the digital age.
This isn’t about banning pornography (although I would like to) or policing morality—it’s about recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of minors and creating a framework that shields them from undue harm. For the sake of the next generation, the Court must acknowledge the compelling evidence presented by these scholars and support reasonable, well-crafted measures like Texas’ age-verification law.
The amicus brief, backed by years of research, is a wake-up call to lawmakers, educators, and society at large. It’s time we take a hard look at the costs of inaction and commit to safeguarding our children in an increasingly complex and digital world.
[SOURCE: Brief of Social Science Scholars as Amici Curiae ]
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Protect Our Children
Grooming Future Revolutionaries: A Closer Look at Indoctrination in Military Base Schools
[I recently came across this 2022 investigative report and was struck by the extent of radical ideologies reportedly being promoted in military base schools. While I hope that the incoming administration will lead to a reduction in such practices, I’m not optimistic. This radicalism seems deeply entrenched in our institutions, and no single election cycle will be enough to undo it. True change will require sustained efforts over time. Here are some of my thoughts after reading the report.]
Schools on military bases are supposed to be places where stability, discipline, and strong values are passed on to the children of service members. But a recent report, Grooming Future Revolutionaries, reveals a very different reality. According to the investigation, these schools—run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)—are becoming hotbeds for controversial ideologies, including critical race theory (CRT), radical gender theories, and activist-driven education.
If you think military schools should focus on academics and character-building, buckle up. This report might change how you see the role of education in these institutions.
From DEI to Woke Indoctrination
In 2018, DoDEA adopted a strategic plan called the “Blueprint for Continuous Improvement,” which focuses heavily on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). On the surface, these initiatives sound reasonable—who doesn’t want an inclusive environment? But the way they’ve been implemented has left many parents and educators concerned.
The report claims that DEI has shifted the focus away from traditional academic excellence toward social engineering. Key performance metrics prioritize equity and inclusion over core subjects like math, science, and engineering. What’s more, these programs allegedly shame students based on their race and encourage children to question their gender identity—often without involving parents.
Radical Gender Ideology in the Classroom
One of the more shocking findings is how radical gender theories are being woven into lessons, even for very young children. Teachers are encouraged to explore topics like pronouns and gender identity starting as early as preschool using tools like the “Genderbread Person” to challenge traditional norms. For instance, students might be asked to consider how they express their gender or even keep certain aspects of their identity secret from their parents.
Activities like these aim to challenge traditional ideas about family and gender, but they also create confusion. Instead of fostering confidence and self-understanding, these lessons often seem designed to disrupt what many families hold dear: familial trust, patriotic values, and the sacred order of God’s Good Creation.
Antiracism and Activism Over Education
In addition to gender ideology, the report outlines how antiracism education is turning classrooms into political battlegrounds. Lessons are reportedly designed to make students hyperaware of race and privilege, often framing history and society through the lens of oppression. Books like Me and White Supremacy and What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book are becoming part of the curriculum.
While promoting understanding and inclusion is important, critics argue that this approach replaces constructive dialogue with divisive rhetoric. Instead of encouraging kids to see themselves as individuals, it pushes them to adopt a group identity defined by race or gender.
The Impact on Military Families and Patriotism
What’s perhaps most troubling is how these programs are affecting military families and their values. According to the report, students are being encouraged to view their country and its symbols—like the flag and the national anthem—with skepticism. Instead of instilling pride in their heritage, the curriculum seems aimed at fostering a sense of detachment from their country.
For families who sacrifice so much in service to the nation, this feels like a betrayal. Patriotism, family values, and a belief in a higher purpose are cornerstones of military life. Undermining these principles risks eroding the foundation of what makes our armed forces strong.
A Call for Change
So, what can be done? The report suggests that parents and lawmakers need to push back. Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representative Elise Stefanik have already proposed measures to give military parents more control over what their children are taught. Unfortunately, these efforts haven’t gained much traction—yet.
But this fight isn’t just about legislation. It’s about recognizing that education shapes the next generation. If we allow schools—especially those tied to our military—to focus on divisive ideologies instead of unifying values, we risk losing more than academic excellence. We risk losing our shared identity and the moral framework that binds us together.
Final Thoughts
Education should prepare kids for life—not push them into confusion or activism. While I hope the new administration will steer us toward a more balanced approach, I’m not holding my breath. These ideologies are deeply embedded in our institutions, and it’s going to take more than one election cycle to turn things around. Still, this is a battle worth fighting—for our kids, our families, and the future of this nation.
[Source: Grooming Future Revolutionaries published by The Claremont Institute Center for the American Way of Life.]
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