I fully agree with you. I noticed that about the media long before it was popular to notice that the media spends inordinate amounts of time on the bad news and rarely celebrates any good. It gives us a skewed view of our fellow man. I also get the NY Times email summary.
My one comment on this is that while your focus on this is accurate - it too, is skewed: the Left-leaning bias focuses on this and other issues - the Right-leaning on their own issues - but the approach is the same: Let's lead with what makes us angry, fearful and paranoid. You would think, if just reading the news on the surface of it all without any personal historical context, that everyone is out to get everyone else.
I suspect, without hard evidence - but plenty of observation - that a daily reading or watching of the "news" regardless of political bias - is not good for our mental health, and that taking a break from it for periods of time is a very good idea. I think we should balance what we see going on in the world at large with what's going on in our own little world at home. Deborah Nix makes a very good point: the news we get is owned by a very small number of companies. And they are deciding what we watch and hear. And it's not for altruistic reasons.
I understand how frustrated you must be about the headline. I’ve noticed it too. I’ve also wondered about the paucity of news about things other than Covid. There’s so much going on in the US and there’s a limited amount of subject matter. That’s why I use so many news sources. I like the Times for its indepth reporting.
But as an African American my fall back response is “yeah,but”. I’ve been on Earth 75 years and have seen many positive changes. But, yeah. Right after the trial there were more reports of shootings of African Americans.
The Reconstruction period was great and lasted about 15 years. Maybe 20. Yeah,but. And now there is a full out push to hamper voting rights throughout these United States.
We, as Christians need to continue to encourage each other about the progress we’re making. It wont necessarily come from our secular news sources.
I applaud you for your honesty and transparency. It’s difficult but appreciated. I encourage you to continue to share your journey with us.
By the way, the news sources in this country are owned by a very small number. That’s part of the problem.
St Francis didn't right that prayer that your alluding to, I think, though it's become a classic example of an apocryphal claim. It was written 1912, probably by a French Catholic, Father Esther Bouquerel, the founder of The League of the Holy Mass. It's a nice prayer, Francis' absence notwithstanding.
With the media constantly reminding us of how our institutions have failed us (government, church, business, military, etc) is it any wonder people are abandoning them? It's a form of self protection. "Church is just a bunch of pedophiles. Every politician is corrupt. Marriage is oppressive. I'm safer not joining a church, not voting and not marrying."
interesting that after viewing a positive video shared by my son that I complained to him about the negativity of the news media as contributing to our current contentious societal situation. This just before receiving your post! Thanks.
I fully agree with you. I noticed that about the media long before it was popular to notice that the media spends inordinate amounts of time on the bad news and rarely celebrates any good. It gives us a skewed view of our fellow man. I also get the NY Times email summary.
My one comment on this is that while your focus on this is accurate - it too, is skewed: the Left-leaning bias focuses on this and other issues - the Right-leaning on their own issues - but the approach is the same: Let's lead with what makes us angry, fearful and paranoid. You would think, if just reading the news on the surface of it all without any personal historical context, that everyone is out to get everyone else.
I suspect, without hard evidence - but plenty of observation - that a daily reading or watching of the "news" regardless of political bias - is not good for our mental health, and that taking a break from it for periods of time is a very good idea. I think we should balance what we see going on in the world at large with what's going on in our own little world at home. Deborah Nix makes a very good point: the news we get is owned by a very small number of companies. And they are deciding what we watch and hear. And it's not for altruistic reasons.
Ah, I should have given an example or two from conservative media. It's hardly just a liberal habit. Agreed.
I understand how frustrated you must be about the headline. I’ve noticed it too. I’ve also wondered about the paucity of news about things other than Covid. There’s so much going on in the US and there’s a limited amount of subject matter. That’s why I use so many news sources. I like the Times for its indepth reporting.
But as an African American my fall back response is “yeah,but”. I’ve been on Earth 75 years and have seen many positive changes. But, yeah. Right after the trial there were more reports of shootings of African Americans.
The Reconstruction period was great and lasted about 15 years. Maybe 20. Yeah,but. And now there is a full out push to hamper voting rights throughout these United States.
We, as Christians need to continue to encourage each other about the progress we’re making. It wont necessarily come from our secular news sources.
I applaud you for your honesty and transparency. It’s difficult but appreciated. I encourage you to continue to share your journey with us.
By the way, the news sources in this country are owned by a very small number. That’s part of the problem.
I get the "Yeah, but." I feel the same way when this sort of thing happens on issues close to my heart and life.
St Francis didn't right that prayer that your alluding to, I think, though it's become a classic example of an apocryphal claim. It was written 1912, probably by a French Catholic, Father Esther Bouquerel, the founder of The League of the Holy Mass. It's a nice prayer, Francis' absence notwithstanding.
Right on. Thank you
Beautifully said, Mark; Thank you! And for the St Francis prayer reminder!
I agree with your assessment of the negativity of the news. NYT newsletter reported on a study done by Dartmouth professor Bruce Sacerdote and two other researchers and it indeed confirms your instincts. Maybe you already saw it. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/world/covid-coverage-by-the-us-national-media-is-an-outlier-a-study-finds.html?smid=em-share
Connie, thanks for the link. Excellent!
With the media constantly reminding us of how our institutions have failed us (government, church, business, military, etc) is it any wonder people are abandoning them? It's a form of self protection. "Church is just a bunch of pedophiles. Every politician is corrupt. Marriage is oppressive. I'm safer not joining a church, not voting and not marrying."
Richard Rohr wrote a prayer that was completely fitting the day after the verdict came in. It is worth checking out.
interesting that after viewing a positive video shared by my son that I complained to him about the negativity of the news media as contributing to our current contentious societal situation. This just before receiving your post! Thanks.