The newspapers, radio, television and internet are full of bad news. We hear all the sensational, dramatic, negative news with just a sprinkling of Ďfeel goodí stories. The vast majority of events reported are about war, murder, child abuse, tragedies, betrayal and injustice. We are led to believe this is what people want to know about. Is this true or it just that news usually focuses on the negative so that is what people have come to expect?
I am aware that life is tough for many people and there are numerous places where people face war, poverty, starvation, tragedy and cruelty throughout their lives. However, I donít think it helps anyone to concentrate on all the negative aspects of the world, especially when some of us have much to be grateful for. The news does not encourage us to reflect on the good things in our lives and all the positive aspects of modern life.
What would happen if 80% of the events and features reported were positive? How would people feel if they turned on the radio or television in the morning and they heard about the kind things Mr and Mrs Average had done? Would people find they started the day with a smile if they were hearing about good things? I wonder if there would be an increase in people helping and supporting each other if we were hearing about good deeds. Would people have more energy to try to help others less fortunate?
We hear about the people who commit heinous acts but rarely about those who are kind- hearted. However many people are gentle, supportive and helpful. I think if more kind people were featured in the news the world would benefit from these role models. Sometimes it is just small things that someone has done or a kind gesture but it sure brightens my day. It renews my faith in humanity.
We hear about aged care facilities that neglect or mistreat the residents. Do we hear about the many places where staff are caring and go the extra mile to make the residents comfortable and happy? When do we hear about small innovations that are introduced to improve the quality of life of people living in residential care?
We hear about incidents of sexual abuse of children in schools and dropping literacy rates. Do we hear about all the teachers who work very hard to provide children with a sound education in a safe environment? How often do we read stories of those teachers who are positive role models for their students? Do we hear about all the parents, grandparents and community members who volunteer their time to help with school programs?
A story about animal cruelty will feature on the news but we donít hear about vet clinics where pets are treated with love and understanding by the staff. Every day people adopt pets from animal shelters and provide these animals with comfortable lives but we rarely hear about this. When we do, the story usually starts with details of how badly treated the particular animal was before being saved.
Yes, many bad, sad and shocking things happen but does concentrating on the negative help the world? Does it give people hope and energy to do something to make the world a better place? I think it drags people down and makes them think there is no point in trying. I would just like to read and hear more good news.