Why I Am Not Going To See Matthew McConaughey's 'Magic Mike'

This hub was not meant to be a dig or judgment on anyone. Rather, I wanted to share my thought process about the sure-to-be blockbuster, Magic Mike.

My facebook wall has been inundated with status reports of women friends - single, engaged and married - declaring their enthusiasm to see Magic Mike: "in line for tix to McConaughey's Magic"; "can't wait to feast my eyes on magic mike"; "ugh... Magic Mike is sold out, can this really be happening to me?" Not having seen a movie trailer, my only familiarity with Magic Mike was from the daily countdowns til the movie release by some McConaughey fans, complete with movie stills. From one picture, I thought it was a story about The Village People. Another picture, I thought, "Is he a fireman?" What is all the fuss about the movie?

A friend's post alerted me that my guess about Magic Mike being about the Village People was absolutely incorrect. She expressed her intentions not to see Magic Mike, "OK - I'm going to step up on my soap box about this movie. I am seeing post after post about good 'christian' women lining up to go see this movie ... If this same type movie was made about female strippers, these same wome...n (sic) would be in an uproar about how "degrading" it was! [keep in mind, my friend is referring to people she knows, she is not generalizing all Christians] I can not possibly imagine wanting to see this."

Her complaint wasn't that the movie was made or that people may want to view it. Her complaint was that Christian women were "lining up to go see this movie". She makes a good point that if a similar movie was made about female strippers, her same friends would decry it as "degrading". Ergo the hypocrisy non-Christians complain so much about regarding Christendom -- although a few of my Christian friends say they wouldn't mind their beloved fiancé or husband to watch a female stripper movie (I used to share this same thought pattern, more below).

My friend continued her explanation, citing Biblical advice to "guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life." And, for Christians, this advice should be adhered if a Christian truly wants to live a life according to God's plan. Even USA Today recognizes the "quality" of this movie: Matthew McConaughey salaciously strokes his private parts in the opening of Magic Mike (*** out of four; rated R; opens Friday nationwide), thus setting the tone for an entertaining workplace comedy with a dark (and well-oiled) underbelly and some predictable romance to leaven the raunch and swagger.

This review does not sound like something that Christian embraced psychologist Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family would recommend as a good foundation or accessory for a strong marriage. Nor does it parallel the advice to keep a pure heart and mind given by Christian celebrated author Joshua Harris in his book I Kissed Dating Goodbye.

At the risk of sounding prude (is that really a bad thing? Prudent: acting with or showing care and thought for the future [www.google.com] - yet our culture emits the word from our mouths as if spewing rancid vinegar.), I have to say I agree with my friend that for me, it's not a good choice.

I once had a different mindset, and thought "having fun in the name of fun was nothing more than having fun"... I, in an endeavor to be a "hip, cool, contemporary and understanding" wife, allowed and encouraged my first husband to participate in the strip club parties he and his friends attended. At first, I was hesitant, but when a friend (wife of one of my ex-husband's buddies) replied, "as long as he comes home to me I don't care what gets him started, they're just having fun." At first, her thought did not sit well with me, but I wanted my marriage to work and didn't want to "stir the pot." {I would be remiss not to mention she and her husband have been on the brink of divorce multiple times due to his infidelity, yet they are still together.}

Without going into too much detail, my marriage ended because of repeated infidelity on my husband's part. I was young, hurt, devastated. But, I learned -- activities -- even simple "entertainment" matters. What we put in our minds influences our hearts and actions.

I understand that our minds often automatically categorize images or thoughts with specific aspects of our lives. Have you ever heard a song that takes you back to a different season in your life, without you even meaning to reminisce? I allude to this because in the past when I've read news articles that detailed rape scenes, it affected me later. I do NOT want images of Matthew McConaughey or any other man for that matter, in my mind. I do not want to be intimate with my husband and have to fight images -- Simply, the power of suggestion has more power to it than I care to admit. I know how past experiences have caused me to fight images -- and I want my husband & my intimate expressions to each other to be about "us" and our love and affection for one another.

The only person I want my mind to associate me being intimate with is the one who has earned that privilege. The man who supports my family and comforts our children. The man who takes family walks with us and celebrates life achievements together. Last I checked, that man was not Matthew McConaughey or Channing Tatum (also in the movie, and movie is based on his life experience before Hollywood "success"). ;)

I consider my eyes to be in covenant with the man who cherishes me, and I have no desire to watch another man try to stir my affections - what would it benefit? I can think of no benefit to stirring desirous thoughts or feelings for a man with whom I have no personal relations or commitments - other than a stroke to the egos of actors in the movie due to thousands of women lusting hotly after them -- or, a stroke to my ego if a man is personally trying to "hit-on" me -- but even then, is that a compliment? That he wants to "do me"??? No. A compliment is someone who admires my intellect, heart -- although, I do appreciate my husband admiring my physical appearance as well -- and I don't mind others comment, either. As long as the comment has no ulterior motive. A compliment is a man so cherishing my heart, dreams and desires that he makes covenant with his eyes, ears and heart not to allow any other person to cross the threshhold of his desires and intimate thoughts.

Bottom line - the health of my marriage and family. I am choosing to guard my heart and my family. For me, that means guarding my eyes.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this hub. I realize there are many, many view points to anything in life. Again, I am not judging those who choose to watch the film - I am sharing why I am choosing not to. Perhaps I'll be perceived as weak or insecure by others, strong and confident by another sect. I did not write this for accolades. I wrote this to share my thoughts.

Please take the time to comment, I welcome your thoughts. If you liked this hub, please vote up or choose any appropriate accolade. Of course, if you think your friends would enjoy reading this hub, please share on your social networks. If you disagree with me, fine. Feel free to respectfully share your opinion.

Thank you again!