It sort of bothers me that 'we' (the Dattim and Haredim) are moving toward accepting/introducing pop culture into the community. Certainly, it means that the standard rises higher and higher, including the professionalism but on the other hand, it also means the we accept a culture of worshiping idols, literally. This hit me after a show with Asi and Tuvia of Machon Meir when they were swamped with kids who were asking for autographs and wanting to be photographed with them. One of the two clearly (to me) tried to respectfully sneak away, but the other was more cooperative. I want my kids to respect people who work hard whether it is Talmidim Hachamim or entertainers, but while I would encourage my kids (and try to show personal example) to give respect and follow the talmidim, the entertainers are entertainers, and the respect is the gift Hashem gave them to make simcha in the world and not the idol. Contests like this are very problematic. If done privately, I see a great way to give new performers a boost, but when done publicly, there is an easy way for them to be embarrassed and shamed, even if not done ruthlessly like on the goyish shows.
It sort of bothers me that 'we' (the Dattim and Haredim) are moving toward accepting/introducing pop culture into the community. Certainly, it means that the standard rises higher and higher, including the professionalism but on the other hand, it also means the we accept a culture of worshiping idols, literally.
ReplyDeleteThis hit me after a show with Asi and Tuvia of Machon Meir when they were swamped with kids who were asking for autographs and wanting to be photographed with them. One of the two clearly (to me) tried to respectfully sneak away, but the other was more cooperative. I want my kids to respect people who work hard whether it is Talmidim Hachamim or entertainers, but while I would encourage my kids (and try to show personal example) to give respect and follow the talmidim, the entertainers are entertainers, and the respect is the gift Hashem gave them to make simcha in the world and not the idol.
Contests like this are very problematic. If done privately, I see a great way to give new performers a boost, but when done publicly, there is an easy way for them to be embarrassed and shamed, even if not done ruthlessly like on the goyish shows.