Is it wrong to like the Jonas Brothers?

[lil_flower_luv]

I love and respect my mom. But she thinks I am obsessed with the Jonas Brothers. (They are a very popular band, especially with teens like me; I’m 16.) I like their music and listen to them often. They don’t sing anything that is offensive to my beliefs as a Catholic; they are great guys and they sing great music … that’s it. I am not in the least obsessed with them. So, why is my mother, who I love and respect, so against them? Please let me know your opinion! I don’t want to have to give up listening to their music because I must be obedient to my mother’s rules.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I can only guess, but it seems reasonable to me that your mother doesn’t dislike the Jonas Brothers; she dislikes what she believes is your “obsession” with the group. Since she knows you far better than I do, I am inclined to give your mother the benefit of the doubt regarding your involvement with the group. And, as your mother, she has the right to limit your exposure to anything she deems harmful to your well-being. As a minor, you have the duty to obey your mother in all just requirements she makes of you, whether or not you agree with her assessment of the situation.

That said, a spirit of understanding and loving obedience on your part, coupled with a desire to find a legitimate compromise on the issue, might persuade your mother to reconsider a total ban on music you like. Since your mother apparently believes that you listen to the Jonas Brothers’ music too much and are showing too much devotion as a fan, ask your mother what she would consider a reasonable amount of listening time and “fan activity.” Such an approach is more likely to win your mother’s respect and reconsideration than complaining that she is being “unfair.”