I try to avoid just casually ingesting the news. Every direction you turn seems to be filled with partisan and extreme views on everything from the environment to immigration. I’m not saying there isn’t room for such views, but I feel that all the news we are routinely exposed to are the extreme 10% of views, making those of us in the larger contingent of moderates feel that we’re actually in the minority and need to choose sides. Our options seem to be Republican or Democrat; pro-wall or pro immigration; pro-environment or pro-economy. What about the in-betweens? And how did thse extreme perspectives get such a loud voice?
In order to help offset some of these extremes, I’ve started receiving my news from BBC. They’ve got a great app that covers world affairs, not just US affairs. Whether that is entirely true is debatable because I know every media outlet has an agenda, I do feel better knowing that I’m possibly looking at the American political/media infighting from the safety of the neighbor’s yard as it were.
Here’s what I woke up to this morning that got my blood boiling.
Here’s the story behind the picture. If you want the video itself, here it is and if you go looking around on the internet you’ll find other video clips and perspectives on what was going on here. I’d love to hear your own perspectives.
After seeing this headline and watching the video, I felt a need to take to the streets and choose a side. It’s this side or that side. I’m either a MAGA guy or I’m a supporter of indigenous people.
What if I agree with parts of both sides? Is there room for me in today’s hyper-reactive, technology driven, hits-and-views crazed news society?
The answer to this question can be found in discussions you have with other members of your community. Not just on Facebook or on Twitter, but in real live conversations. I could have easily gotten caught up into joining the “internet streets” of extremist opinions but instead, a relaxing conversation with my wife over a cup of coffee, helped me see things in different light.
What I also really appreciated throughout these last 2 hours of my life that I’ll never get back again, was hearing quotes from Nathan Phillips, the Native American Omaha tribe elder and Vietnam Veteran seen in this video.
“[W]e always took care of our elders, took care of our children, always provided for them, taught them right from wrong.
“I wish I could… put that energy to making this country really, really great,” Mr Phillips said.
Thank you to BBC.com for picture and quote content. Their article can be read here.
I also want to thank S.E. Cupp for pulling the morality and attention to our responsibilities as a society out of this seemingly black and white story. Her commentary can be viewed here.
#hyperreactive #technologydriven #hitsandviewscrazed #bbc #secupp
Life is a Backstage Production 