In a bit of a mid-winter, post-assassination-attempt funk. It took all of twelve hours before i heard the first 'pundit' spinning events and bits of facts to support his own political viewpoint ('the shooter listed The Communist Manifesto as his favorite book therefore he must be a left-wing radical'). I'd harbored hopes that this horrible event would bring people to their senses and encourage us all to consider the responsibilities that come along with our free speech rights. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be the case.
On the hopeful side, many people in and out of the public eye are using this opportunity to speak out against inflammatory, violent rhetoric for any purpose and against any category of people. After all, once you decided it's fine to de-humanize anyone it only takes time and fear for people to decide that we need to torture, incarcerate without due process, search without warrant more and more people.Once certain lines are crossed, it's very hard to argue against crossing them again on principle.
So much media and so much of our 'political discourse' these days relies on emotional appeals to get people on their side, to get ratings and contributions. Let's face it, it's just the easiest, cheapest, fastest way to goad people into action. Reduce any issue to the good guys vs. the bad guys, get people all whipped up by creating some boogeyman to terrify them, and watch the dollars roll on in. It works - to get ratings, money, &, in some cases, votes.
But does it address the concerns which our political process is specifically set up to address? Does it help us to overcome any of the significant, real problems that we face as a society today? Has any of this hate-filled speech stimulated the economy, provided health care services for poor children, made our streets safe, our communities more tight-knit, our lives longer or happier or healthier? No.
Violent, cartoon-like rhetoric based on 'us vs. them' arguments don't help solve any of the very real problems we face as communities, as a nation and as a world. Reasoned, thoughtful, open-minded and respectful communication has a chance of doing so. I know this is a 'clothes blog', but it's the most public forum i have to let my thoughts be known. And every interaction i've had in the style blogging community has reinforced for me the idea that actual problem solving ONLY takes place in a respectful, thoughtful environment. I feel it is time for people who disagree with violent rhetoric, who believe in the importance of respect in exercising our first amendment rights, to let their principles be known. Thankfully, many people are doing so. I'm publishing this post in support of them.
"After all, once you decided it's fine to de-humanize anyone it only takes time and fear for people to decide that we need to torture, incarcerate without due process, search without warrant more and more people.Once certain lines are crossed, it's very hard to argue against crossing them again on principle."
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you. Bravo! I hope that you and those likeminded will gain traction in your movement to be more vocal about your principles and gain critical mass.
Applause! I found myself last night thinking about a "funk" I was feeling and had discounted the national dismay over these events. I have not followed it closely (except by radio and the net). We did away with our television just prior to the 2008 election...as it tended to keep me constantly riled up. I am solidly Democrat, though strangely conservative on some social issues. I am a Democrat with ideas about fiscal responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI tend to fault the 24 hours news cycle for the loss of our necessary civil discourse.
Very very well said, bravo! Playing that forward, lets all try and be as kind and gentle in our lives as possible and maybe, just maybe that flicker will begin to burn brighter with our friends and neighbors, and thus a movement is born.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Terri--I don't watch the news anymore--just makes my blood pressure rise. I try not to be politically apathetic and at least try and do something worthwhile in my little corner of the universe.
ReplyDeleteI spent the whole weekend with my inlaws, who watch nothing but the news channel and the weather channel (ugh), and saw this whole story as it first unfolded. My husband works in a field that also deals with the public (like the senator), and it's sadly not unusual to have these kind of people target someone like this.
ReplyDeleteMay I say, you look fabulous, darlin'? You look fabulous!
Thank you Veshoevius. I hope so too - that's why i figured i better do what i can, even if it's just a little.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri - i hope you're feeling less funky (or maybe even fun funky!). yeah, the current state of our 'journalism' is not helping at all. we haven't watched tv in 11 years.
Hello NE Chic! - from your mouth to god's ear, as they say - and to the hearts of our neighbors as well.
Hi Paula! yes, really that's all we CAN do. i like to think it gets us in shape for if we get an opportunity to do something big.
oh, Sheila, what an awful thing to watch this and know your husband could be in similar situation. that's part of what's so wrong with our current 'vibe' - it's considered perfectly okay and 'cool' to knock on politicians, how they're all slimey and awful and barely human....which is false on it's face. but then what about the run of the mill grandmas and grandkids who got killed in the crossfire here? what's wrong with stopping to think, and erring on the side of kindness?
& yes, you may say that as often as you like!
: )
Have a good week everybody!! steph