*Issue 1*
The media. I loathe the news. I refuse to watch it. For starters, it's just too depressing. But it's also so biased and repetitive that I feel like they are pandering to the lowest IQ levels in the viewing audience. In a half hour newscast, they tell the same story at least 4 times. Yeah, we got it. It wasn't that interesting the first time. And do we really need to advertise for the news? We know that it's on at the same times every single day, and God forbid you miss it, don't worry! They'll just be showing the same stories later. Also... would it be too much to ask to tell a positive or uplifting story now and then? When something tragic occurs we hear about it nonstop for days on end, but when/if they do decide to share a worthwhile tale, it gets mere seconds of airtime. We are bombarded by stories and images of death, pain, horror and evil. The media preys on our fears and makes us so paranoid, we are afraid to leave our homes. It's disgusting. I hate to sound old here, but I remember a time when the news was on once in the morning and once in the evening. And if you wanted more, you read the paper. Somehow we all managed to survive then.
*Issue 2*
Modern TV. Let me just say that 98% of what is on the television these days is pure crap. The days of entertaining, educational, family and quality TV are long gone. When TLC is airing shows like "Here comes Honey Boo Boo" you can no longer call yourself The Learning Channel. We have shows encouraging teen pregnancy, cultural stereotypes, and pure ignorance. Even kids cartoons are garbage. Where is the education in "Sponge Bob"? Reality TV is taking over, but it's so far from reality, it should be called even more poorly acted television. These shows aren't real life. Come on, people. Oh you spent 20 years looking for your soul mate and had no luck? I'm sure he/she just happens to be in this assortment of wanna be models that some random producer selected. *eye roll* It's time to get a grip. We are allowing TV to turn us into morons. And don't even get me started on what it is teaching the younger generations... It is a sad day in the world when people are rushing home, not to spend quality time with their families, but to make sure they don't miss the latest episode of crap TV. But don't panic! If you do miss it, you can always catch it on Netflix, Hulu or DVR it on reruns.
*Issue 3*
Schools. What the hell is happening in our schools? We don't have enough money to pay for teachers, bus drivers and supplies? But there is enough money to pay sports stars and celebrities multi million dollar contracts?? How did this happen? When did education in this country fall so far down the scale of importance that we don't even bat an eye when we hear of another school closing? Education should be a given. Teachers should be paid more, not less. We expect the impossible from them and then can't wait to cut their salaries and benefits at the first opportunity. And parents, wake up! Stop blaming teachers and administrators for your failures as a parent. Their job is to teach your child to read and write. It is YOUR job to teach them right from wrong. If you spent half as much time helping your children with their schoolwork as you do watching trash TV, little Bobby could probably get into Harvard. Get your priorities in order. Quit bitching about how you have to keep bringing in pencils and paper and just be thankful your child still has a school to go to. Problems don't magically solve themselves. Join the school board, volunteer, have a fundraiser. Do your part to make sure that your child gets the education and support they deserve. Don't expect everyone else to do it for you.
*Issue 4*
Entitlement. When did getting rewarded for doing nothing get popular? I don't recall this as a kid. We didn't get trophies just for showing up. You got trophies for winning and trying hard. I see parents rewarding children for doing things that should just be expected. Oh so you remembered to flush the toilet? Here's some candy. WHAT!? No, no, no. I hear parents bribing their kids all the time. "If you just behave, mommy will take you to McDonalds when we leave." Huh? How about, "If you don't behave, mommy will spank you." Good behavior should be a given. By bribing and rewarding kids for doing what they should, you are teaching them to misbehave. If I act bad, then mommy and daddy will offer me a treat to stop. Good plan. I can't wait to see how that kid handles his first job. This is lazy parenting and it needs to stop. If you don't have the patience and time required to raise your kids properly, then here's a clever idea... don't have them. As parents, you cannot be afraid of your child. YOU are the boss, not them. You make the rules and they follow them. End of story. We have to stop catering to kids and allowing them to make decisions that they are not mature and capable of making. Yes, you may choose what outfit you wear, but you will eat the healthy dinner that I put in front of you. If they don't like it, too bad. You are the parent, not the friend. Your children should love and respect you, not want to party with you. We need to teach kids that hard work and dedication will earn you things, not temper tantrums and handouts.
*Issue 5*
Common Decency. As a society, we are becoming more and more numb to tragedy. (See issue 1 above as reasoning.) We cry over commercials about abused dogs and cats, but ignore the homeless we pass on our way home. We piss and moan about not having the newest and best clothes, cars and homes and forget that there are many without food and water. We post pics and quotes about being a good Christian but turn our backs on those in need because it makes us uncomfortable. We say we are thankful for our military, but complain if our tax dollars go to support an injured vet. (Did you know that a quarter of this nation's homeless are veterans?) We buy our kids all the latest gadgets and goodies, but refuse to donate to Children's Hospitals and Toys for Tots. We see a nation of people who are dying of disease and starvation and we can't wait to convert them to Christianity, but don't bother with life saving drugs and clean water. We have fundraisers to buy new football jerseys for our kids, but pretend that we don't know that little Suzy and her family are living in a van. We need to start being better. We need to judge less and help more. We need to care about our fellow man, regardless of his skin color, financial status or religion. We need to be kind. Because someday, you may need the kindness of strangers.
No comments:
Post a Comment