My thoughts about The Easy Button reminded me of a 1971 cult movie called Billy Jack. If you haven’t seen the film, you might recognize its theme song One Tin Soldier.
Tom Laughlin plays a native-American Green Beret Vietnam veteran. The film centers on cultural conflict between leaders of an Indian reservation school and corrupt, racist town leaders.
In this pivotal scene, a group of Indian children go into town for ice cream. They’re refused service and then abused and humiliated by bullies.
Can’t see the video in your email or reader? Click here.
I’ll bet every one of us can identify with Billy’s outrage. When I see a bully, I want to lash out. When I see the horrors of abuse, I understand the desire to go berserk!
That’s the “easy button” approach. And it doesn’t work. Not long-term. In the film, Billy’s outburst, while momentarily satisfying, begins a chain of events with tragic consequences.
He needed to stop the immediate abuse and assure the kids’ safety. But the bullies weren’t going to challenge him.
His fight was less about rescue than about retribution and revenge. Good script for an action movie.
Not so good for long-term reconciliation.
How would you re-write the end of the scene?
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed. Isaiah 1:17
Beating up the bad guys might feel good, but retaliation isn’t justice. Victims of abuse and oppression need restoration, healing, and opportunity. They need to forgive, not because it’s easy but because it’s the gateway to authentic hope.
Our partners at U COUNT Campaign. They support at-risk women and children and former victims of sex slavery by providing job sustainability and safe living and working environments.
They seek justice. It’s not “easy button” work.
Please leave a comment here.
