Serendipity

Everything a child consumes, media-wise, becomes ingrained in their interpretation of the world and shapes how they view life around them. I’ve seen many arguments regarding the effects of media consumption on children, but I believe—from my own experience—that if parents teach the basic principles of life, children will subconsciously filter the media they consume.

This is, of course, just my personal opinion. Growing up, my access to TV was limited and tied to special occasions, like our cherished Friday Family Night. We would visit the local video store, pick out movies, and spend the evening watching them together. Even as I got older, my parents allowed us to watch TV, but most of the movies I grew up with were Chinese martial arts films or anime. Watching with subtitles helped me read faster, which turned out to be an effective way to build reading speed and comprehension.”

Besides that, I grew up with young parents who had me when they were in their mid to late teens. My childhood was shaped by a mix of cultural icons—Star Wars, Bruce Lee, Dragon Ball Z—but also romantic comedies like She’s All That, Simply Irresistible, and Ever After. This variety gave me insight and a broad perspective on life. I loved watching these films, and they played an influential role in shaping my habits and values.

The way I treat women, for example, was instilled by my mother. She loved watching romantic comedies, and I loved watching them with her. I remember her smiles during those moments and came to associate those smiles with the kind gestures shown on screen. To this day, I always walk on the side closest to the road, never letting a woman walk on the outside of the sidewalk—a habit I picked up from watching these films and observing the small gestures of respect they showcased.

As children, our brains are still developing, and our understanding of life forms not only from our parents but also from everything and everyone around us. It’s essential for parents to instill foundational principles so that as children form their thoughts and draw conclusions, they have a solid groundwork to build upon.

Shows like Dragon Ball Z were especially captivating for me as a child, teaching me values and motivations that would later shape how I approached life and what drove me to succeed. I absorbed so much from them, even if I only recognized the full impact in my mid to late 20s. While I did enjoy American TV shows, their value felt different. Shows like Family Guy or The Simpsons provided moments of laughter but lacked the deeper lessons I found in Dragon Ball Z. That said, I still watch Family Guy to this day—it’s great for unwinding and sharing a laugh. But Dragon Ball Z taught me something more: it showed me what a father-and-son relationship could embody. It instilled lessons about willpower, love, and unwavering support.

One scene that still stirs powerful emotions is from the movie Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound. In the climax, Goku, though dead, is watching over his son, Gohan, who is fighting desperately for humanity. Gohan is overpowered and on the brink of defeat. In a moment of paternal instinct, even from the other side, Goku gathers his energy to teleport back to Earth for just an instant to help his son. The impact of that moment resonated deeply with me as a child—the idea that a father’s support transcends even death.

What made it unforgettable was Gohan’s response. After being lifted by his father’s brief but powerful presence, Gohan stands up, battered but resolute. The line that stuck with me the most was his monologue: ‘Father, you came back to save me, and I won’t let you down.’ He then turns to face the enemy, embodying his father’s spirit, and says with conviction: ‘You forgot one thing—I’m my father’s son.’ That declaration, that surge of willpower, taught me that true strength is rooted in love, legacy, and the determination not to falter.

This was my own experience growing up and it could be different for everyone else but understanding that the media we consume shapes our thoughts is going to be why what a child consumes should always be something that brings more value than just entertainment. From the way we view life, to how we deal with life’s problems. This is rooted in our will, the will that has developed over years of influences around us.

There are those who believe that exposure to violence at a young age or listening to certain types of music can do more harm than good. While I understand these concerns, I believe that with proper love and guidance from a parent, a child can learn to filter for themselves what lessons they take in. It wasn’t the violence that captivated me—it was the deeper message of love and resilience that resonated most.”

Consuming media with value over mere entertainment helps a child learn to discern what to prioritize in their daily life. Value brings knowledge, while entertainment, though enjoyable, often steals time without offering lasting benefits.