I have recently started seeing many previews for an upcoming show called “The Marriage Ref.” I decided to do a little research and find out what this show was all about.
According to the show’s website couples will both air their side of the story and then a panel of celebrities will decide who is right and who is wrong. These celebrities admittedly have no training or knowledge of how to counsel people in marriage situations. Since the panel will rotate and not be the same people each and every week guest on the show have no idea who will be giving them advice. Just because you are a celebrity does not make you a credible source for deciding issues in a marriage.
Last time I checked “Refs” were used to make decisions concerning opposing teams. In marriage there should not be opposing teams. The couple should be united as one team, not two teams. With the current divorce rate in our country we don’t need another show on television demeaning marriage and what it means to be married. The whole premise of the show which is “WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG” makes me cringe, because marriage is not about being right or wrong.
“The Ref” will not air in my home. Some people will say its just good fun and there is nothing wrong with the show. Well in my book marriage is not funny and should not be joked about. Couples need to work together to solve problems. If problems can not be solved between the two of them they should go to a professional or a trusted advisor, not a comedian looking to make a buck. There is absolutely no reason to take your marriage issues to a bottom of the barrel television show.
I do not believe that a Christian should sit back and support this show by viewing it and laughing at the couples on the show. Sure many of the problems may be funny or silly like should the toilet paper go over or under, but in reality the entire premise of the show is a slap in the face to what marriage and being married means.
I think that before we allow shows like this to be aired in our homes we really need think about the underlying message which in this case is: who is right and who is wrong. All I can say about this is that the entire premise of the show is wrong on so many levels.
Joy Martinez, here.
They say laughter is frequently used when shaping culture: Downplay the seriousness of a subject, make people laugh, and they become quite pliable.
This is why I don't laugh at abuse jokes.
Good point in your blog…