[Desdemona]

I think this is a bit of hysteria from Ms. Charen. There isn't anything mentioned here that is not within her control. You can always turn the TV off or leave it on a channel more suited for young kids.

There's also reading to them and teaching kids that there are other forms of entertainment.

The way to get along with popular culture right now is to somewhat ignore it. Either that or go through the painful explainations. They're going to have to learn about it sooner or later anyway and if it doesn't come from the parents, it's going to come from somewhere else.

[SpookBrat]

I agree with your post 100% so I hope I’m not sounding argumentative. We are doing our best at "ignoring" it while experiencing the occasional painful explanation bit. But I resent the teaching them "sooner" part our culture has forced me to do. For example, I don't see how teaching my 8 year old son about homosexuality is appropriate. We can’t get away from it. It’s every where. It drives me crazy that I can’t protect their “virgin eyes and ears” better.

There is little you can do. It could be helpful to throw out the T.V. and radio, but you can’t blindfold your children in public. You can't drive down the road or visit the county fair without seeing or witnessing filth.