The 2015 film Spotlight, directed by Tom McCarthy, chronicles the Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team, the longest-running investigative journalism unit in the U.S., as it exposes a decades-long cover-up of systemic child abuse by priests within the Boston Roman Catholic Archdiocese. I became interested in the movie after watching an interview with actor Mark Ruffalo, who spoke passionately about his role. Intrigued, I finally watched it. The story left a deep impression on me, as it sheds light on a disturbing issue that has been shielded for far too long.
Religion, Abuse, and Accountability
Growing up with a mix of Catholic and Buddhist traditions, I am now an atheist. One reason I’ve detached from religion is the prevalence of abuse in institutions like the Catholic Church, which is often protected due to its “sacred” status. This normalization of abuse is alarming. The Church, deeply rooted in Western culture, has largely avoided the significant reform society would expect of such a powerful institution. It clings to a centuries-old doctrine without adapting to modern moral standards, suggesting a resistance to change even in the face of serious ethical breaches. If religion is a guiding light, then surely those leading it should be beyond reproach, standing for values universally accepted, irrespective of belief.
The Broader Problem of Child Exploitation
While religions may originate with good intentions, providing moral teachings and insights, they are not above criticism. This issue extends beyond religion—child exploitation is a painful reality in many sectors of society today, from the music industry to other spheres of power. Children are vulnerable, reliant on adults for guidance and protection. Sadly, many adults fall short of this responsibility and sometimes lack the maturity or insight that children need. Ironically, children often display a curiosity and resilience that adults sometimes lose. How can we ask children to develop healthy habits when many adults fail to model them? How can we expect children to unplug from screens and connect with the world around them when adults are glued to their devices?
Leading by Example: A Call for Adult Responsibility
Children need role models who inspire them to learn, grow, and pursue passions. Adults, in turn, must model those behaviors—whether by exercising, reading, or exploring nature. It’s only by living these values ourselves that we can hope to guide the next generation effectively. The responsibilities adults hold in shaping young minds cannot be taken lightly, and our actions speak louder than words. Change, therefore, begins with us.
Hope for Change and Personal Growth
While the current reality can seem bleak, it’s important to remember that growth is possible, both individually and societally. This journey starts with each of us. By striving to embody the values we want to see in the world, we can cultivate a society that genuinely nurtures its future. The story told in Spotlight is a sobering reminder of the work that remains to be done, but it’s also a call to action—to create a better world for the children who will one day inherit it.
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