The Beauty and the Beast Controversy

Lots of people are mad about stuff these days.  Really, anything we can disagree on, we're mad about.

If you're not mad about something, chances are you're probably mad at the people who ARE mad about it.

It's confusing, hard to keep up with, and divisive.

The latest thing to be up in arms about? That there's an openly gay character in the new Beauty and the Beast live action movie.

OR

The latest thing to be up in arms about? That people are upset that there's an openly gay character in the new Beauty and the Beast live action movie.

Doesn't matter. Either way, people are upset, people are arguing, feelings are hurt, and people are put down for their beliefs and opinions. It's ugly.

What's the solution?

Obviously, boycott the movie if you want to.
OR
Go to the movie if you want to.

But no matter which you decide, TALK to your children.  This is where the controversy lies, right? That children may be exposed to something YOU as a parent don't agree with?
OR
TALK to your children.  This is where the controversy lies, right? That children may be exposed to someone else's opinion that YOU as a parent don't agree with?

It IS important.  It's vital that, no matter which way you lean, or how you are raising your children, you talk to them and lead them in LOVE.  That is the only solution. To love one another and be a shining beacon by example.  If someone "hates" something, we overcome with love.  We explain to our children that hate is a real thing, but that love is the only way to live.

I worked with a man once who was opposed to gay marriage. Okay. That's fine. That's his opinion.  But his reasoning? Because he might have to explain to his daughter why two men were holding hands walking down the street.

Um. News flash.  Banning gay marriage isn't going to stop that.  And you DEFINITELY need to talk to your daughter regardless.  (Side note: he thought lesbians were "hot," so, there's not always a clear divide. Not sure what he planned to tell his daughter about that.)

The point? We need to PREPARE our children for what they will encounter in this world, whether it's the fact that something we don't agree with exists, or the fact that people hate.  They need to be armed for whatever they will face.

So, take your kid to see a movie, or don't.  But you still need to have those conversations and help your children learn to love one another, despite our differences, despite our different opinions. Because the differences exist, and the opinions exist, and it's NOT always pretty or a clear divide.  Leading with love is the only responsible thing to teach.