Most people at some point during their day either read a news article or watch the news on TV. Each person has their own reasons for following the news whether it be to keep up on the latest trends, follow world events as they unfold, or simply find the latest greatest restaurant to dine at. Personally, I read the news for a few different reasons. Most importantly, I read the news to track what is happening in the world and draw connections as to how it impacts or doesn't impact my life. Tangentially related to the first reason, I follow the news to see growing trends in society, how they impact people, and where society is taking us. I personally believe that in a world where we are growing closer and closer together, the news in Asia could have a direct impact on the way we live in the United States. Will it directly influence our lives? Perhaps not, but the trickle down effect of events unfolding on the other side of the world could have a direct impact on anyone. Following the chaos theory which, simply stated, says that a butterfly flapping its wings in China could create a major storm on the west coast of the United States, I believe that any world event could have untold implications on people not related to the event. Whether it be through increased military presence in a foreign country which directly impacts the economy of the United States or a medical breakthrough in India that has potential benefits for people around the world, we all have the potential to be affected by world events. That said, I would much rather track what is happening so that when we are affected, I know why it happened and what could potentially be done about it. Conversely, I would not want to live in complete ignorance of world events and be astonished when the trickle down effects directly affect me.
Now, don't get me wrong, most of what I just said is vague speculation of potential events, but for a direct example lets look at the Euro crisis unfolding in Europe. While many in the United States might say that the Euro crisis will have no effect on them, I beg to differ. Most banks these days, especially the large ones, do not solely deal in the national arena. They have become major world players, loaning money across seas, purchasing and trading assets, and as such, if issues arise across the Atlantic, we will most likely suffer at least some of the consequences. The Euro crisis and its international implications is just one example of our interconnectedness and how major world events impact more people than ever before. A potential example of effects trickling outwards from the United States could be seen through the failing of a large corporation that outsources production overseas. If one of these large corporations with a large overseas workforce failed and went bankrupt for whatever reason, those workers overseas would most likely lose their jobs as a result. In losing their jobs, they would then add to the unemployment rate of the country they live in, adding a further burden to that economy and wreaking havoc among their families. So why follow the news? So we can be kept abreast of worldwide events and be aware of how it might affect us.
So why am I writing about following the news? In part, it is due to a friend who doesn't read any newspaper or watch any TV news because he says it has no beneficial impact on his life. I will admit that most news does not beneficially impact our lives, however, that is not to say that it negatively impacts our lives either. It is up to us as readers and watchers of the news as to how we will allow the news to impact our lives. There are some people for whom the news has a negative impact and persistently casts a dark cloud over their lives. Yet I would like to think that those people are the minority and that most people read the news for what it is, take it with a grain of salt, and move on. I personally do not let it affect my life either for the better or for the worse, however I do like to comment on issues that I feel are relevant to our sustained livelihood and freedom. Furthermore, I like to utilize the news to engage people in conversation, prod them to think about what is happening and respond to it. Perhaps the most beneficial outcome of the news is that it promotes conversation amongst people. The more people are able to discuss events both nationally and internationally, the more likely it is that changes can be made or beneficial ideas spread amongst larger swaths of people. While I can see where my friend is coming from in not reading or watching the news, I don't agree with his decision.
With all that said, is there are time when we should separate ourselves from the news? I believe there is. When the news grabs hold of your life and dictates what it is you should be doing, watching, or following; then perhaps it is time to tune out for a bit and get back to simplicity in life. There are also times when people may get filled with an overwhelming sense of negativity or depression because of the news. If that's the case, then it is imperative to tune out for a bit and focus on yourself. I also feel that there are times when family should take precedence over everything else and as such, the news should be shut off for a bit. This week is one of those times. With Thanksgiving tomorrow, there is very little in the world news that can't wait to be read or watched. Today we should all renew our focus on our family and spending time with them. Don't get wrapped up in what is occurring outside the walls of your own home, I can almost guarantee that it will be waiting for you on Friday. Regardless of what happens in the world, we must always maintain a strong bond with our family. If the world falls apart tomorrow, who will be there to support you and help you? If whatever happens is grave enough, we might only be able to rely on our families and if we don't work on maintaining a strong bond amongst us, then we will be stuck in the dark, alone. So today, or tomorrow, turn off the TV, put down the paper, and talk to your family. The news will be there waiting for you, and you can even turn on your computer and see what you missed over a few days.
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