We're All Going to Die

Bringing you the surface news:

It has come to my attention that a growing number of people are becoming dissatisfied with our nation's media- some locally and some nationally. With the ever growing pressure to draw the greatest ratings, I think it's time we, as the public, reflected on what it is we are watching, who decides to put it there, and why we are still watching it if it makes our blood boil.

Most of us want to stay informed, but even more of us want to be entertained. When I watch the national news now, I can't help but to focus my attention on how the news is being delivered, and, at best, the topic of the story. I believe that when I watch, there is a battle occurring inside my mind. One side wants to learn about my surroundings, develop thoughts and views, and discuss them in an effort to better the world. The other side is passive- sucked in by the drama of the story which, often, contains nothing more than a headline of drastitude and a hastfully put together video clip.

The human interest stories: an air marshal (possibly- we really don't know anything yet) firing a gun on a plane; a bird flue which will kill us all; 13 coal miners who may or may not be alive, but we're going to show you nothing else until we find out from a "credible source."

The journalists, no- scratch that- drama queens are so obsessed about being the first to bring you the most exciting story that they will risk losing their credibility, but worst of all, missing out on the real reason we need them. All the while they deliver any follow-up story via demonstrative pronouns as if making small talk in the break room- "Did you hear about those kidnappers?" No, I didn't hear about those kidnappers. How about you speak like a professional journalist and use an indefinite article the first time, then a definite article thereafter the subject has been specified? I don't want to feel stupid listening to the news. Make it journalism, not drama.

Is it really fair to blame the media for giving us what we appear to want? They speak our language. We watch it. They know that. The pharmaceutical industry tells us that we need another five prescriptions to live a fulfilling life, even if it does give us headache, sexual disfunction, irritability/anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, diarrhea, and whatever, but that's nothing a little bit of the pink stuff couldn't cure.

The media and the pharmaceutical industry makes this profitable because they put us in a mind set of constant fear and then offer us a pricy solution. It has, at some times, gotten to the point when we actually watch the evening news with the intention of learning what it is that is threatening us and what we as consumers can buy to protect ourselves.

Take one giant step back and look at the situation.

To an extent, the media is taking advantage of the public's weaknesses, but to a greater extent the public is passively giving up control to the media by allowing this to happen. Again, most of us want to stay informed, so a boycott of the news isn't quite appropriate. (However, I've noticed that the BBC does a nice job, and I think I might start watching them instead of the American drama queens.) There are some days that I am very pleased with the quality of a newscast, especially with my local news in Rochester. I don't want to give anyone the idea that there is a corrupt generation of journalists here- they are what we make them to be. Sometimes they do a pretty good job, but that's for you to judge- actively.

You have a choice. Don't forget it. Now stop reading this propaganda.