Seize the Moment
February 9, 2004
Sometimes it's easier to apologize than get
permission. Seems that's what Janet Jackson and Justin
Timberlake figured before the Super Bowl halftime show. It's not
like we weren't warned--prior to the event an MTV choreographer
promised "shocking moments."
Now everyone is apologizing. In a press release
after the game CBS, MTV, the NFL, Janet Jackson and Justin
Timberlake all said they're sorry. I can't help but wonder why
Janet Jackson would be sorry. As a declining rock star with a
new CD about to be released she'll find her image adorning the
cover of countless magazines and tabloids. That single
"shocking" moment has been replayed and discussed on television
more than the game or any of the commercials. TiVo, a company
that measures audience reaction to what viewers are watching,
said the Timberlake/Jackson moment received the highest rating
ever on TiVo and was replayed by viewers more than any event
they've ever measured. To top it all off, according to Lycos--a
company that measures Internet searches--the "shocker" was the
most searched event in the history of the Internet.
So in front of the cameras, doe eyed Janet is
really sorry... "If I offended anyone." Give me a break! I don't
see remorse here. I read: "I'm not sorry that I got more
publicity than I've ever received in my life. I'm not sorry that
I'm the most talked about rock star on the planet. I'm not sorry
that I'll sell tons more CD's and make tons more money." Behind
closed doors I suspect Janet Jackson is exchanging high-fives
with her friends and publicist.
Okay--having said all of that. I want to urge you
to seize the moment and use it to interact with your family and
friends. I don't mean you should simply condemn the act.
Everybody is doing that. Instead, go deeper. Talk about what
drove Janet to violate both the law and the moral values of many
who viewed the show. She had a specific end in mind (publicity)
and felt any means could be justified by that end. Does the end
always justify the means? And what about the rest of the
grinding and bumping that took place--what message does that
send about sex? What does it tell us about our culture? And what
will happen if those who were "offended" say nothing?
Remember, all it takes for evil to prevail is for
good men to do nothing. Jesus said, "Neither do people light a
lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way,
let your light shine before men, that they may see your good
deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:15-16).
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