by Jason Joyner | Sep 9, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
There has been an interesting discussion on-line regarding sex vs. violence, especially as it pertains to Christian fiction. The first place I saw bring it up was this post, linked by Terry Whalin. Dave Long at f*i*f has picked it up – be sure to read the comments for further discussion. Then John C. Wright enters in, although not directly discussing it regarding the CBA.
As far as my thoughts: I agree that it seems to be a weird dichotomy to promote more violence over sex. If the typical CBA reader is middle America, white, Republican (perhaps a member of the NRA), then it fits the stereotype of war-mongering prudes who want to make sure Janet Jackson stays covered up while bombing foreign countries back to Stone Age status.
However, I like what Wright says about the violence vs. sex aspect of things. Boys grow up dreaming to be heroes, fighting the bad guys and winning. Sex is best a private matter, between one man and one woman. It is easier to portray violence in a way that serves a positive end: the bad guy reaps what he sows and gets it in the end. With sex, it becomes an intrusion into that special bonding. It also can become titillating and tempting to those not strong enough to stand up to such mental description.
Our culture has the sex part backwards, with greater voyeurism and explicit sexuality flaunted from every venue. It is a precious gift that deserves to be respected, even in the novel.
Our culture is also fixated on violence. One needs only to look at the Matrix, Kill Bill, and a majority of video games to see what we are feeding ourselves as entertainment. As Christians, how do we respond? Will we continue to “push the envelope” in Christian fiction, with bad guys who decapitate their victims in their own kitchen? Will we find ways to be creative in showing the battle of good vs. evil that glorifies the Lord and is relevant to our culture? I don’t necessarily have the answer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask the question.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 9, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
There has been an interesting discussion on-line regarding sex vs. violence, especially as it pertains to Christian fiction. The first place I saw bring it up was this post, linked by Terry Whalin. Dave Long at f*i*f has picked it up – be sure to read the comments for further discussion. Then John C. Wright enters in, although not directly discussing it regarding the CBA.
As far as my thoughts: I agree that it seems to be a weird dichotomy to promote more violence over sex. If the typical CBA reader is middle America, white, Republican (perhaps a member of the NRA), then it fits the stereotype of war-mongering prudes who want to make sure Janet Jackson stays covered up while bombing foreign countries back to Stone Age status.
However, I like what Wright says about the violence vs. sex aspect of things. Boys grow up dreaming to be heroes, fighting the bad guys and winning. Sex is best a private matter, between one man and one woman. It is easier to portray violence in a way that serves a positive end: the bad guy reaps what he sows and gets it in the end. With sex, it becomes an intrusion into that special bonding. It also can become titillating and tempting to those not strong enough to stand up to such mental description.
Our culture has the sex part backwards, with greater voyeurism and explicit sexuality flaunted from every venue. It is a precious gift that deserves to be respected, even in the novel.
Our culture is also fixated on violence. One needs only to look at the Matrix, Kill Bill, and a majority of video games to see what we are feeding ourselves as entertainment. As Christians, how do we respond? Will we continue to “push the envelope” in Christian fiction, with bad guys who decapitate their victims in their own kitchen? Will we find ways to be creative in showing the battle of good vs. evil that glorifies the Lord and is relevant to our culture? I don’t necessarily have the answer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask the question.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 7, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I’ve got three boys, ages six, four, and two.
The two older ones know half of the songs from High School Musical in just 2 viewings.
What is it about this show that makes it so appealing?
It is a fairly formulaic movie, especially since it comes from Disney. The two young, attractive leads fight adversity that keeps them apart and conspires from them auditioning for the title musical. 
Troy Bolton is the head of the basketball team, trying to lead them to victory at state and make his coach dad proud.
Gabriella is the new girl in school, a brilliant student who is quickly recruited for the academic team.
After the two of them sing a duet accidentally at a New Years’ party, they find that 1. they can sing, and 2. they are attracted to each other.
If you go to watch this movie, try to avoid giving up at this point – because this is the hoakiest moment of the whole film, and pretty painful to watch. 
I’m not going to give the whole film in synopsis – just wanted to point out this pitfall.
So what is High School Musical’s appeal? I don’t know why a 4 and 6 year old are enthralled with it. The songs are catchy, but not super. The plot, as mentioned, is cliche. The actors do a fine job, but we aren’t talking DeNiro and Streep characterization.
And no, it isn’t due to the amazing costumes…
Whatever the appeal to the younger set, there are several things here that I can appreciate. The characters are overall nice to each other. They may make fun of certain things people do, but no one is belittled with snark, as is the custom in our culture anymore. Even the “bad guys” aren’t nasty with put downs. They think they’re the best and look down on Troy and Gabriella, true, but they could be so much worse.
The girls aren’t dressed skanky. The outfits look attractive on the ladies, but we aren’t innundated with flesh. This movie targets 9-14 year olds, so this is a VERY welcome development.
The morale of the story it to accept differences and get beyond the boundaries of cliques. The message comes across well without preaching or being overt.
What does this have to do with a writing blog? (It could technically fall under the “goofy” I suppose). It is possible to craft a pleasing, thoughtful story that is popular without resorting to nastiness, blatant sexuality, or violence. Oh, and it has a catchy soundtrack.
High School Musical won’t be mistaken for a literary masterpiece. But it is a fun movie that whole families can enjoy. Hopefully more entertainment can be like this. If there was only a way to have a soundtrack for a novel, then THAT would be something!
(Aside – it wasn’t like the high school musical I was in. We couldn’t dance like this. I was the yokel who learned to sing by belting out Petra in my car, while I was paired with an All Northwest alto singer for a duet. GULP. We pulled it off though.)
by Jason Joyner | Sep 7, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
I’ve got three boys, ages six, four, and two.
The two older ones know half of the songs from High School Musical in just 2 viewings.
What is it about this show that makes it so appealing?
It is a fairly formulaic movie, especially since it comes from Disney. The two young, attractive leads fight adversity that keeps them apart and conspires from them auditioning for the title musical.
Troy Bolton is the head of the basketball team, trying to lead them to victory at state and make his coach dad proud.
Gabriella is the new girl in school, a brilliant student who is quickly recruited for the academic team.
After the two of them sing a duet accidentally at a New Years’ party, they find that 1. they can sing, and 2. they are attracted to each other.
If you go to watch this movie, try to avoid giving up at this point – because this is the hoakiest moment of the whole film, and pretty painful to watch. I’m not going to give the whole film in synopsis – just wanted to point out this pitfall.
So what is High School Musical’s appeal? I don’t know why a 4 and 6 year old are enthralled with it. The songs are catchy, but not super. The plot, as mentioned, is cliche. The actors do a fine job, but we aren’t talking DeNiro and Streep characterization.
And no, it isn’t due to the amazing costumes…
Whatever the appeal to the younger set, there are several things here that I can appreciate. The characters are overall nice to each other. They may make fun of certain things people do, but no one is belittled with snark, as is the custom in our culture anymore. Even the “bad guys” aren’t nasty with put downs. They think they’re the best and look down on Troy and Gabriella, true, but they could be so much worse.
The girls aren’t dressed skanky. The outfits look attractive on the ladies, but we aren’t innundated with flesh. This movie targets 9-14 year olds, so this is a VERY welcome development.
The morale of the story it to accept differences and get beyond the boundaries of cliques. The message comes across well without preaching or being overt.
What does this have to do with a writing blog? (It could technically fall under the “goofy” I suppose). It is possible to craft a pleasing, thoughtful story that is popular without resorting to nastiness, blatant sexuality, or violence. Oh, and it has a catchy soundtrack.
High School Musical won’t be mistaken for a literary masterpiece. But it is a fun movie that whole families can enjoy. Hopefully more entertainment can be like this. If there was only a way to have a soundtrack for a novel, then THAT would be something!
(Aside – it wasn’t like the high school musical I was in. We couldn’t dance like this. I was the yokel who learned to sing by belting out Petra in my car, while I was paired with an All Northwest alto singer for a duet. GULP. We pulled it off though.)
by Jason Joyner | Sep 6, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Mir posted this article, and it is a must read enough to relink it here. Terry Whalin shares some interesting thoughts on Christian Fiction and the CBA. If you haven’t checked it out already, what are you hanging around here for? Go on, git!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 6, 2006 | Blog, Uncategorized
Mir posted this article, and it is a must read enough to relink it here. Terry Whalin shares some interesting thoughts on Christian Fiction and the CBA. If you haven’t checked it out already, what are you hanging around here for? Go on, git!
