Opinion piece and lesson learned.
I had settled into my couch to be entertained by this reality television show. It is into its seventh season, and I have enjoyed guessing who the singer is, behind the mask, each show.
At the very end of the hour-long show, I was flabbergasted. After being in shock of what occurred, and then thinking about how the network could have easily edited the scene out, the word CHARACTER came to mind.
You see…in short…The Masked Singer is a show where celebrities, of all genres, have their entire bodies concealed, and perform a song in front of four judges and a live audience. Some celebrities can honestly sing, and others…make a joyful noise. At the end of the show, one or two Masked Singers are sent home. But, before they depart, their identity is revealed and they often explain why they participated in the show.
On the particular night mentioned above, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani was unmasked. He disclosed that he participated in the show for his granddaughter, and gave a precious reason. His answer was honorable, and his participation was one of bravery as well.
In each episode, in all seven seasons, the judges are surprised and show enthusiasm for the revealed singer. Well, not this episode. The judge, Ken Jeong, stood with anticipation to see who the “Jack-in-the-box” was, then quickly stood with a look of disgust on his face. While Mayor Giuliani was singing unmasked, you can hear Jeong say “I’m done”, and walk off the judge’s stage.
This flabbergasted me because, once again, someone in the entertainment industry chose to not rise above their political views and simply entertain us.
I am sure there have been Masked Singers revealed that someone, judges, or any of us, may not agree with their political stance, but this show was to amuse and pass time pleasantly.
The character displayed by Jeong, in my opinion for a show created for entertainment purposes, was not one to be admired. I sat and thought about how there was a high probability that young children were observing this behavior. I thought about how the mayor, who was privy to the scene, continued to have a smile on his face. I thought about how the network could have easily edited out the scene for the viewers. Okay, maybe I was thinking too much. But it did remind me how I am to treat others and to be aware of my expressions in front of others when I may not agree with their political stance.
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 NLT
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV
You may disagree with me, but you know what…that is okay. I learned a lesson.
Let’s agree to be people of integrity, self-control, and kindness. May others see Jesus in us through our words and actions. Be a person of great character.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie