Defy Conformity

With a brash, in-your-face style, Christian comedian Keith Deltano entertains and engages an audience of young people with a routine that targets conformist behavior throughout society (not just among teens) while—sparingly—also holding it up against teachings from the Bible. Deltano, a former public school teacher, questions the value of designer labels (Deltano says that if you see his tots in Baby Gap apparel, it belonged to another kid first), and asks why men buy SUVs (which he calls “stupid useless vehicles”) when their wheels never leave the pavement. More to the point for adolescents, Deltano also takes on the subject of sex in a refreshingly open fashion, talking about media messages concerning body image, and the differences between love and sex. The underlying biblical message here reminds teens that while social pressures force many to focus on external appearance, God sees the heart. Watching this as a family (including two teenagers), we found ourselves frequently pausing to discuss issues—with the comic approach opening up avenues of conversation that a traditional guidance program would not. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)