No News Like Bad News

[lupestripe]

Is it me or has news over the last six months become increasingly negative and depressing? I know times are tough but to perversely focus on all the bad stuff whilst ignoring the undoubted positive stories in the world paints a skewed view of society and the human condition. It's like reading the Daily Mail over and over.

In tough times, surely we need more good stories to cheer us up. At the moment, the media is focused on death, fear and scaremongering. The way the AV 'debate' is going, the politicians are aping this too. I know bad news always was a staple of most news organizations but I cannot remember a time when there was so much focus on all that is bad. Furthermore, I cannot think of a time when the politics of fear was so imbued in the political process in this country.

If you want a Big Society, or at least a happier one, then there needs to be a concerted effort to focus on the things that make life worth living. I know that there is no news like bad news, and news organizations are there to turn a profit, but a bit of social responsibility wouldn't go amiss. Sadly I have been whistling in the wind for that one for far too long.

I am trying not to let all this affect me but I am an emotional person who can switch between the extremes of happiness and sadness in an instant. The relentless tide of bad news is starting to get to me, attacking the moderate views I previously held. At least now I have an understanding of how extremism is fomented. Furthermore, it's making me relentlessly bitter and angry, and clouding my judgement of this country and the people in it. I wonder how many feel the same.

So we need to come back from the precipice. If the media reflects the country, then the current state of play is understandable. But why not alter the reflection? Then, perhaps a new found spirit will make these tough times considerably easier to deal with and we can at least be wealthier in happiness than through financial means.

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Comments

[moth-wingthane.livejournal.com]

Social responsibility counts for nothing sadly. It's all about ratings and money. And, IMO, part of the problem is that we see so much bad stuff on tv and in the news that people are gradually becoming immune to its emotional effect which means they have to pump out more and more shocking material to get it through to people. It's a cycle that will only carry on unless people vote with their feet, so to speak, turn the telly off and go and do other things.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

This is a massive worry - the more immune people get, the more robot like they will become. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why society is 'broken' (not that I believe it is but this rhetoric is so commonly heard these days). The Eighties promoted the element of a selfish society and it has continued to this present day. It's a sad case of affairs. I do wish the media was more responsible but without an independent body overseeing what's going on, that's never going to happen.

[plushlover.livejournal.com]

focus on the things that make life worth living

This is something that we, as individuals, have to do ourselves. You can't rely on others to do it for you, least of all the popular media.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

I agree but the media should try and find a sense of balance. I believe in a free press but sadly one which needs to be overseen independently because I do not believe it has the responsibility to regulate itself.

[tr-wolf.livejournal.com]

Well that said, look at the Royal Wedding... a cause for celebration, we're all given a day off, and what do we do? We whinge, whine and are cynical about the whole thing.

The Brits love wallowing in their own misery.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

The problem with the Royal Wedding is that the issue is so divisive. Not everyone likes the Royals and what they represent, nor do they like the celebrity culture which has contributed to the hysteria surrounding the event.

I agree it's good having a day off but I work with freelancers and contractors who are having to work on that day. I am having to work that day too but at least I get it off in lieu later in the year.

[slinkat.livejournal.com]

I find the best tactic is simply to ignore the bulk of the media. I'll admit to getting wound up over financial news, but I think that's to do with mortgages and whatnot. For the most part, I find turning the media off and going to a walk in the park or sitting in a cafe reading a book to be much more beneficial.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

Financial news I find most frustrating, as we have discussed before. I agree - parks, cafe etc. I think I need to spend less time online to be honest.