 Spiritual: July 04, 2018 Issue [#8980] |
  Spiritual
This week: Equal Opportunity Offenders Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. My name is Shannon and I'm your editor this week. |
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"The role of the media and its impact on society and individuals is huge, thus, media representatives must, by all means, accept the responsibility for everything they present to the public" ~ Dragana Erjavec
Every once in a while I stop watching the news. Sometimes for a few days, other times for a few weeks. It's just too much: too much violence, too much death and destruction, too much negativity. Every time I jump back on the media bandwagon one thing becomes immediately and abundantly clear: the news programming in the United States is fear-based, regardless of whether it's left- or right-leaning (and let's not kid ourselves: there is no such thing as unbiased news). "If it bleeds it leads." Masters of scaremongering, media outlets whip people into a frenzy to further their agendas.
"Bombarding people with ‘sensationalized’ negativity has real psychological effects." ~ Graham C.L. Davey Ph.D.
Discussions about politics and religion tend to bring out the worst in people, and the fervor I've seen lately is no exception. People who have known one another for years are unfriending each other on Facebook and unfollowing each other on Twitter based on who they voted for in 2016. "Normal" people suddenly become keyboard bullies, hiding behind the anonymity the internet provides; it's much easier to be rude and start namecalling when there isn't a real-life person sitting across from you.
I am all for the passionate exchange of ideas, but we have abandoned courtesy, kindness, and common decency toward our fellow Americans. Somewhere along the way, we forgot we're all in this together. So the bus driver next door voted for Hillary; he's the same hilarious neighbor he was before the election. So what if the woman who delivers your mail voted for Trump; she's the same friendly person she was 18 months ago. We've become so embroiled in making our voices heard that we've forgotten how to treat our neighbors, friends, and colleagues.
The country is ablaze while the media fans the flames. Elected officials incite riots and call for civil unrest, instructing their constituents to harass, shun, and publicly shame the opposition. Hollywood throws in its two cents (and a few four-letter words for good measure), and the end result is a country on the verge of implosion.
It is possible to agree to disagree. It is possible to treat someone with respect, despite his or her opposing viewpoint. Isn't that what makes America great--the freedom to believe what we want, vote for who we want, and worship how we want? Is this really the best we can do?
I'm fifty years old, and after every presidential election dating back as far as I can remember, the opposing party thought the sky was falling and life as they knew it was coming to an end ... but we're still here. Let's all take a breath, shall we? Pause for a moment. Choose kindness. The world is watching.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation,
and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” ~ Jesus Christ
Thank you for reading.
 Happy 4th of July, America!
Thank you, heroes in the United States military,
for your service and sacrifice. 
Further Reading:
1. The Psychological Effects of TV News
2. The Role of the Media
3. SPJ Code of Ethics |
I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. I occasionally feature static items by members who are no longer with us; some have passed away while others simply aren't active members. Their absence doesn't render their work any less relevant, and if it fits the week's topic I will include it.
Thank you, and have a great week!
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The following is in response to "All Too Familiar" :
Kimbug  writes: Oh wow, this totally hit home. I need to be more loving towards my daughters; I yell at them too much. Someone told me very gently that my daughters were actually quite well adjusted and behaved and to not sweat the things I believe they're not doing enough of. I'm actually quite proud of them; they need to hear that. I think we're all guilty of this, Kim. I know I am. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. |
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