There were two approaches to our young people in the past week, and they couldn’t have been more different if they tried.
On the one hand, there were some very disturbing popups reported on YouTube and other sites where children’s videos were displayed, with cartoons and other videos appearing that made threats to children unless they did acts of self-harm. Some of the materials were even urging children to kill themselves, or suggesting ways it could be done.
Then there was this incredibly disturbing “Momo” character with a face created by someone on a drug-induced nightmare, with large round eyeballs that were decidedly not of the Disney or anime variety.
These materials are all disturbing in and of themselves, but to be targetting them at children is despicable and unconscionable.
YouTube responded by saying they were working on their removal, but obviously these things should never have come up in the first place.
There was a strong statement by Jesus that I think is applicable, where He stated, “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (New American Standard Version)
Now, on the other hand, it was Pink Shirt Day last Wednesday, and on Friday afternoon, the four public elementary schools gathered at the Cugnet Centre for a concert by singer Ryan Laird.
His message was the polar opposite to these disturbing online materials, as he urged the students to pursue their dreams and their goals, and to always stay positive.
When I spoke to him prior to his concert, he told me that in discussions with the Pink Shirt Day organizers, they were okay with him taking a positive approach rather than coming out and speaking harshly about bullies and why bullying is such a bad thing.
It is a bad thing, he said, but he wanted to focus on being positive, in case there was a possibility that a bully might see there is a better way to relate to people.
Laird talked about how he was picked on for wanting to be a country singer, and he admits that he very nearly gave up on his goals — but after talking with trusted adults, he decided to go for it and pursue his dreams.
He urged the kids to also pursue their goals, and when they go on social media platforms, to be kind and respectful to other people.
Somehow I think the creator of the sick “Momo” character needs to hear this message, and not just the children.
