The Shark Slayer"s Lie

Tonight I was wearing out a DVD of "Shark Tale" with Marcia and the kids. What a hillarious tale... We kept playing over a few scenes, particulary the Godfather inspired ones. I'm interested in knowing how many times one of the mafia sharks says, "Fo'ged about it."

So the noteworthy image that stood out to me was when Oscar the Shark-slayer finally comes clean with his lie. It's the moment he tells everyone that he really isn't a shark slayer and that the shark really died when he got nailed on the head by an anchor. At that precise moment that Oscar yells, "I am not a real shark slayer" he holds his arms up high over his head, the same way you might hold your arms up in victory. The filmakers did a great job of portraying the freedom that comes with telling the truth. It's never easy to go back and admit when you've lied. And it's even harder to live with the consequences. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. There is loss of trust, reputation, doubting, and perhaps loss of opportunities. But the more important reality is that your character is being developed. On another day, through tempted to lie for gain, you'll likely be truthful and realize its not just about you and what you get. Who you are on the inside matters. What you do because of it matters just as much! Its a powerful lesson worthy of talking about with my kids. Man, I wish I would have thought of it when the movie was over. Now, they're all in bed... Parenting is an everyday, every minute thing. You've got to use every resource availible to instill goodness in your children. At least that's how I look at it. Okay, here's an idea: before we pop it in the mail box, I'll keep it another day and just watch that scene. Then we'll talk about it.

Last thought on this. The problem with Shark Tale is that there are no consequences for Oscar in telling the truth. But, hey, we didn't watch it becuase it was true to life.