a000410.htm

Morality and Decency Conference Speakers

CHALLENGE TO ALL BIG CITIES Aren't the big cities interesting -- especially when

we find ourselves driving behind a cab in a long line of traffic? The advertising on the rear end of the taxicab often defines the city, whether it be restaurants, activities, sporting events, community projects, or the SOBs. In most sizeable cities, however, it's the Sexually Oriented Businesses which spend the most money or occupy the most number of taxicab signs. We have all been so accustomed in seeing those topless bar's signs marketed to those who have an addiction for pornography. BUT, listen to this.... We have GOOD NEWS -- Michael Spears, marketing and sales director of the Yellow Cab Company of Houston indicated, Yellow Cab had to bite-the-bullet about one year ago, refusing advertisement from the SOBs. Since then, the amount of advertising business with Yellow Cab has never been better, conveyed Spears. Just to give you a little background on Yellow Cab; they operate the largest cab companies in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Galveston. Here in Houston they currently have nearly 1,000 cabs advertising for their various wholesome customers. "We want first to thank Yellow Cab of Houston while encouraging and challenging everyone around the country to address the marketing messages on the rear of their taxicabs which do not promote family values. It has taken one-step at a time in our large city as our citizens become active in morality and decency -- continuing to impact our large area," stated Karen Kristopher with the Houston Area Association for Decency. "Seeing evidence from the US Supreme Court's decision in February 2008 allows our city the authority of shutting-down nearly 250 SOBs of 350. If you see a Yellow Cab, honk and wave with a big smile, or while visiting Houston, use their taxicab services." Click on the Yellow Cab logo if you need more information.

SEX EDUCATION A new report suggests that television may be playing a starring role in your child's sex education. In a study of 2,003 teens aged 12-17, scientist Anita Chandra of RAND Research found that children who watched programs with "high levels of sexual content" were almost twice as likely to become pregnant as kids with limited exposure to such shows. The study, which was released today in the journal Pediatrics, is said to be the first to establish a real link between teen pregnancy and racy programming. When asked what shows they preferred, kids admitted to watching "Sex and the City," as well as the innuendo-heavy "Friends," "That '70s" Show," and reality fare. "This might surprise people, but sitcoms had the highest sexual content," Chandra said. Yet for all the glamorization of sex, very little attention has been paid to its consequences. "If teens are getting any of their information about sex from TV, they're very rarely going to get a balanced portrayal," Chandra said. "When there is [sexual content], how often is it coupled with a discussion of [the risks]?" Not very often, according to the Kaiser Foundation. A few years ago, it found that only 10 percent of shows with adult content made a passing reference to the dangers of sexual activity. Of course, RAND's research is far from the first blemish on television's record. Scientists have compiled quite a case against TV, which includes everything from early sexual activity and heightened aggression to an increased rate of STDs. Now that teen pregnancy has been added to the list, I can't help but wonder-when has television been associated with anything positive? While it's easy to become enraged with Hollywood, the burden of protecting our children falls on us. We cannot be complacent about what our kids are watching and expect them to take our values seriously. Sex education-or the lack of it-starts in the home. Don't let your television do the talking. Send your kids a clear message on abstinence before their innocence goes right down the tubes. Reported by Tony Perkins