I have an opinion on this debate as a father and as a member of the media. I shared more than enough of my opinions on my show today. I don't agree with how the story was written and researched. I don't like the idea that a newspaper feels like its job is to find dirt on people doing good. I also don't like what King said when he was a 16 year-old boy; it was racist. I don't like the fact that Daniel Tosh (the man who originally said what King tweeted) and Comedy Central (the network that aired the original "jokes") have been widely ignored in this whole discussion. I'm afraid of the ramifications of a "cancel culture" that proclaims the internet to be its modern Salem for hunting witches.
That all being said, I believe this is a great teaching moment for parents.
When I read the news I immediately talked with our 14 year-old foster son. We had a brief discussion about how the internet is forever and it is more public than he might think.
Parents must explain to their children about the impact of words. We must explain how powerful our words are. We must tell them as a general rule to let their words be fewer and more thoughtful. Share some of these verses with them and let them know that tweeting is talking, snapping is talking, our fingers can be our lips in this day and age.
"Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin." Proverbs 10:14
"When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:16
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger." Provers 15:1
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." Proverbs 15:2
"A man finds joy in an apt reply
and how good is a timely word." Proverbs 15:23
"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue." Proverbs 17:28
"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions." Proverbs 18:2
"A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips a snare to his soul." Proverbs 18:7
"For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whispering, quarreling ceases." Proverbs 26:20
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26
Don't let this news story simply work us up into a frenzy. Don't let this be another teachable moment for us that goes unlearned from. The media has lessons to learn and so do all of us. Teach your children and yourself to watch your words today.
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