Troublemakers and Peacemakers

Yesterday I had a conversation with an executive at MilkMedia, the folks who brought us the Bakugan/Nintendo milk carton for schools. It was an interesting conversation, and we agreed that we will never agree, but at least the violent content that I mentioned has been removed from the website. Also, the Bakugan side panels have been recalled. He promises that no character properties or PG-13 properties will be used in upcoming milk side panels. Small victories – if we can’t fix everything, at least we can make it better. It reminded me of earlier this fall when the Common Sense Media website had posted terrible advice to parents of toddlers – recommending PG-13 costumes. I contacted the co-founder and editor, and within minutes, she had agreed and changed the content of the website. When my husband is in a public place and the television is blaring, he’ll reach up and turn it off or turn down the volume. Usually no one minds. The other day at the gym, the television was showing Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers or something along that line. My 5 year-old sons were fascinated. I was not happy. I quietly signaled a staff member to turn it off. He saw the young boys staring at the screen, and quickly obliged. I tell these stories in the hopes that you will consider being a bit of a troublemaker for peace. Every little bit helps our kids and our world.