Norm's Soapbox My corner of Hyde Park	Email me SiteMap
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It's the Media's Fault!

The media made the Jonesboro boys seek retribution for a perceived wrong. The media show such violence, most all day, every day. What can you expect with TV showing Bounty Hunters, Cops, Object of Obsession, Rambo, people with guns enforcing their notions of justice on others with fists and guns? Or the talk shows... "My sister slept with my boyfriend so I took hers."

Could it possibly be that the media broadcast whatever they can that will get the greatest number of viewers so they can get paid the most for commercials? Might they reflect the values of the society? Would they show 45 minutes of car chase instead of world events on the news if that lost them viewers? After all, the people of Jonesboro are calling for retribution, unhappy that they can not imprison the boys for the rest of their lives. Blaming others for undesirable behavior has become a national past time, closely followed by calling for ever more punishment.

Maybe it's time we own up to our own values and take responsibility for our actions. If you started smoking after the 1960's, you knew it was a health risk. If you look for sex sites on the internet, you support that. If you inflate an insurance claim, you are responsible for the rising insurance prices. If you watch shoot-em-ups on TV, that is what you want. If you pressure the city council to approve building on that slope, you share in the blame when it slides.

Now it is my turn to preach. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is NOT purely altruistic; it is practical. If you help someone in need, it is far more likely that they will help you when you need it, and someone that has food and a job will not have to steal. Take out the trash without being nagged, and maybe they will take it out when they notice it needs to be done. It works on all levels. Do you think somebody will feel guilty stealing from you (like your employer) when you have stolen from them?