Sometimes It Seems like the Whole World's Gone Crazy

I like to stay informed, so I watch the news every day. I also listen to the radio in the car all the time. Recently I taught the George Orwell novel, 1984, and on the test that I gave to students I had them comment on a quote by Peter Jennings in 1989, "Whoever controls the media controls reality." I keep that quote in mind any time I watch the news.

When my husband was deployed to Iraq I absolutely DID NOT watch the news at all. Not once for 7 months.

Even this morning I am having a hard time watching the news and the reports of the earthquakes and tsunamis!

Sorry, no advice, but I feel the same. It puts knots in my stomach.

I do my best to stay educated. Online, Fox news, don't read the paper because I can get news on the Internet...I avoid reading stories about atrosicities against kids...can't handle it...

I pray:) God is the ultimate comforter.

I don't watch the news anymore. I don't care what this pop star is doing. I don't care what the presidents wife wore. I don't care that someone killed someone else. I don't care about the drug raids. I don't even care about the economy anymore. I have come to the conclusion that the rich (and that includes the politicians) only care about becoming richer. The poor are doing whatever they can to survive. The middle class doesn't exist anymore, but they think they do, which really sucks. I follow my newsfeeds. I watch documentaries. I go to protests. I pray that the American people rise up and take back this country soon, for the sake of my children, their children and the whole world. Corporate America doesn't care if we have clean water to drink. The banks don't care if you are homeless. The politicians don't care how poorly you live. We Have To Take Care Of Each Other. Nobody else is going to.

I just don't watch national news. I do track some local news.

I don't believe they are reporting the truth... ABC, CBS, NBC

My brother served in Iraq and I had saved many newspapers, videos, etc for him. He said things were NOT as they were reported. I've heard the same thing from others who have returned from serving the country as well.

The news reporters do exaggerate and I think they try to make things sound worse than they really are.

I can't stand Katie Couric and will not listen to a word she says.

I don't watch the news very much anymore... if something happens that I just HAVE to know about... SOMEBODY is bound to tell me! LOL!

I have charities and causes i donate time or resources to when I can, trying to do my part...

Why not watch the news? the reasons are these:

1. The news (liberal AND conservative) conditions us to focus on the negative and marginalize the positive... they don't make their money on telling us how great things are, they make it by covering the crisis's of the world. Heck even "happy" stories are made into something bad by the time each network is finished with them!

2. Our oversaturation of "news" makes the world look like it is always getting worse and worse, and never getting "better". 100 years ago, there was just as much war, death and destruction- if not more, than there is today... BUT everyone in the USA would not be hearing about the crisis in japan, and therefore would not be worried about it... they would only have to worry about what was going on here. I do have compassion for others, but I think it is illogical to try and mentally encompass the whole world's problems! Love your freinds and neighbors, and don't get causght up in this idea that the world is suddenly a harsh and awful place!

3. I actually think we live in one of the happiest times in history, and for some reason we cannot accept that! Think of how much we really DO care about what is happening in Japan and Libya! Would our ancestors cares as much as we do? Yes there is treachery and "evil" in this world... but I think there is also an overwhelming amount of love, compassion, and tolerance that is actually MORE present than the "bad"

Recondition yourself to see the good again! Love your family with all your heart, and pull over to help someone when you see them stuck on the side of the road... or feed a meal to a family in need without asking for anything back. No one person is capable of solving all the problems in the world... but if everyone in the world reached out to others with compassion... no one would go without!

Oh, and shut off the news- there is very little there that "matters" to you personally, and if it will... SOMEONE will tell you, I promise!

-M.

I LOVE watching the news. I have it on from 5 am to 9 am and then again at lunch from 12 to 1230 and in the evenings from 5 to 630. I know it is the same thing over and over again, but I am home alone during the weekdays and I like the background noise. Sometimes my kids pay attention to it and I am honest with them when they ask questions. I am not going to shield them away from the "crazys" in life.

I agree the local news is more or less a crime report, but I guess I like to know what is going on in life so when I do get those few opportunities to talk with adults it isn't always about my kids or babies. I am stuck (and enjoying it) in a house Mon through Fri with 3 kids as my interaction. I like to see what goes on outside those walls every day. :)

I DON'T. I stopped watching the news. It's all fire and brimstone anymore. If I need to know some kind of current event, I look it up online, and even then, I focus on the positive stuff... like how absolutely in love Prince William and Kate look!! How Elton John and his partner David have written each other love notes every Saturday for decades. The sweet stuff; that's what I thrive off of.

On a super positive note, it's Friday, and my kiddos don't have school so, after I get my work done, I get to play the day away with my 3 favorite short people!! Keep your chin up honey :)

having baileys in my coffee this morning :)
it's hard to believe the news these days since they over dramatize everything.
i bet new orleans would have evacuated if they actually trusted the warnings, but they probably had many false ones prior and just didnt believe it.
i have family in hawaii, the philippines and on the northern coast of CA... all you can do is watch, wait, pray, fret and wonder until family holds up their hand and say "I'm okay". So, I'm sorta waiting on that for now.

Watching the news, or reading a newspaper is important. To be a productive member of society, you must first be informed.

If the newscast itself bothers you so much because of the intense language... (ie. one newscaster this morning kept repeating the "devastation in Japan & apocalyptic conditions" over & over), then write to the news channel & voice your concern. These overly dramatic accounts do have an effect on people. Also, suggest they report "good"news more!!

As for coping, I believe this is where "the little things" come into play. You step away from the TV or newspaper or computer & go & play with your kids. You turn up the iPod & dance. You snuggle with books or a silly movie and popcorn. You go outside for a walk. You read those forwarded emails that either make you laugh or glad to have friends. You call your girlfriends and laugh over memories. You sip your wine.

Life is about balance. Balance your life... the good, the bad & the ugly & you will be just fine.

I stopped watching it on TV. But I check online to see what is going on in the world, usually CNN, BBC World, Associated Press and a couple locals that aren't too horribly skewed. I am tired of opinion being touted as news.

I don't watch it! Even though I love knowing what is happening in the world. I used to watch The Today Show in the morning, which is more fluff-but my son took morning tv time a long time ago! I read it online and I find that easier because it takes more concentration to actually read and I can avoid the disturbing images and sensationalism.

I was raised by parents who were news fanatics - they were always extremely well informed about everything, from local news to international affairs. My husband and I are both kind of the same way - we like to stay on top of everything that's going on in the world. Yes, it can be depressing. But, it's reality, and there's no point in sticking your head in the sand to avoid it. It's only through being well-informed that we can make decisions and change things we want to change.

I hardly ever watch the news on tv. I will get my news online from various sources and then make my own conclusions from it. Too many of the media groups are so biased and only report what they want and it's usually one sided - especially when it comes to political stuff. So I gather all the information I want from different groups and come to my own conclusion based on the information. But I don't dwell on it all because a lot of it is rather depressing. However, at the same time I don't want to stick my head in the sand either. It's just a matter of finding that balance that you are content with.

I don't watch the news anymore. I listen to it on NPR...sometimes.

It IS disturbing. I agree with Amy J. about the sensationalism aspect of the news. They are there to make money. Makes ya wonder about govt run news instead BUT I'm not opening up THAT can of worms! Power always corrupts truth in the end.....so.......
I try to watch my local news a few nights per week and there are certain websites I prefer to get my news that way.
Fish dying by the millions, tsunamis, earthquakes, fire & war--not for the faint of heart!

I watch it. experience it. my body shivers. hair stands up. but i don't stop watching it. it's my world.

I dont watch the news. I dont want my kids to see it.

Are you talking about the nightly 1/2 hour news? Or the "news" programs that are really just talk shows in disguise? I think we forget that the shows on cnn, fox, msnbc, and others are just political talk shows and nothing more. In order to keep their jobs and get paid they need to keep talking. They do that by making the real news more dramatic, sensationalized, negative and scary.

I try to keep up with the current events that are happening, I don't want to stick my head in the sand, but I don't keep it on any longer than I need to. Getting sucked into all that drama does give a skewed perspective on what is going on in my world, and really in the entire world. I want to know what is happening at home, and around the world, I think it is my responsibility as a citizen to be informed, but I don't need to dwell on what is negative.

I don not watch the news. They report only what they think you can handle. I listen to a news station on the radio on the way to work every morning. I have learned so much just from the callers/residents calling in giving thier two cents.

I don't watch the news. I read the NY Times and the Washington Post everyday, and I've got NPR on in the car. News on TV has always seemed so blown out of proportion to me anyway, because they're trying to keep their audience engaged. When I listen to NPR or read the newspaper, I feel like I get a more neutral, well-rounded picture of what's going on.

@ Megan - so well said!! I loved reading your post. So well thought out.
I feel exactly the same way. We live in much better times. looking at history, I would have dreaded to have lived in those gory, ignorant past. Think of Salem witch hunt and how ignorant people were. Would that kind of a thing happen in the present day U.S.? Of course not.
All this news around us just makes us desensitized and takes away the perspective of looking at the bigger picture. I have stopped tuning in to news channels. Not because I don't care, but because I want to see the bigger picture and not resort to thinking that world is just a big messy place. I'd rather see the positives.

How do I cope?

- I say the serenity prayer over and over. I try to live with compassion and integrity. I try to be accountable for my actions and grateful for all of the blessings in my life. I love fiercely and with passionate dedication to the moment. I try to overcome my fears.

- I think about Margaret Mead's words, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Right now, while my children are small, I can tend to them and the rest of my family and friends. I can exact change through my daily actions. Later, I can do different work that will affect more people.

- I plan for the future. I will further my formal education and will dedicate my life to "making the world a better place".

- I never subject myself or others to Fox "news" (read: garbage) and like programing.

I watch what I can, but try to keep it balanced (meaning both liberal and conservative TV/newspaper). But I don't want to feel helpless as a result, so I donate my time ( I cook for a homeless shelter every week during the winter), my money, and my talents (I am a lawyer, and volunteer extensively with childrens' advocacy groups). And I volunteer with my local church, and keep my family happy and safe, and keep PRAYING. And I vote, and work for the candidates that I think will work for good. What else can you do?

When I watch local news, I just think only a year and a half and we will have a new governer...then maybe our state won't be screwed.

The news is always a downer. But I'd rather know whats going on around me then be oblivious.

I agree with Amy about the news some times trying to exaggerate. I remember one time when a reporter was making a news about how the strees where so badly flooded that people can't walk or cars drive, etc, if I remember well she was in a little boat. Then right behind her a men walks by like nothing. lol.
I rather hear my news on radio like Mark Levin, or others in that radio station, even tho many times don't agree with them but at least they are not as bad as in tv.
Unfortunately some of the news even if exaggerated are really sad.
I try avoid any news that has to do with kids, specially little kids because I take them way to personal and I end up very depress and mad, I just don't understand or want to understand some of the horrible things that some of the things that happens to little kids. Those are the news that I can't digest.

I DONT watch it at all ! I stopped over 5 years ago.

I haven't watched local news in over 6 years. It's sad and depressing and I don't see any reason why I would want to add sad and depressing news stories to my daily repetoire.
I actually just read the headlines on the internet, I have my favorite "stations" that I look at. For instance, first thing this a.m. I saw about the earth quake in Japan and read the headlines regarding the tsumani hitting the west coast. I can either choose to watch footage of the current happenings or say a prayer for those involved without watching footage. Either way I determine when and what I choose to watch. I think this is my way of coping. I know bad things happen, but I don't want to hear about it at every turn.

I don't watch the news anymore.

I try not to watch it because every time I watch it, it's awful. There's nothing that is good. People have lost their faith in God and look for other ways to resolve them. I turn to the Bible.........I guess that's my news.

I rarely watch the news. Today, I am glued to my computer because of the earthquake in Japan...where my parents live. They are fine, as are all my friends in Tokyo, but on days like this, I'm both glad and horrified. Glad because I can get information, horrified at the information I'm getting. But on most days, I avoid the news completely.

It is very depressing! I watch/read CNN and it just seems like one bad story after another. I really hate any stories that involve children...

I long ago quit watching. Reading about it is bad enough.

I don't watch the news!

I subscribe to the Economist magazine so I get world news once a week. That's it. I don't watch tv - we don't have one. It's not avoiding the world, it's embracing it locally. I meet my neighbors and try to help them. It's easy to think 'I can't do anything to make the world a better place." So, I focus on the local and where I can be involved.

I don't watch the news---or I watch it through comedians (like the Daily Show). You can only be the best person you can be and compel others to do the same. It is one to one that we truly change the world. I make a point of allowing others their own opinions and maintaining healthy boundaries all around. All you can do is the best you can do.
J.

I rarely watch news on tv either. My kids are 2 and 5 and I don't want them to be subjected to it until they are old enough to understand better. That means no tv news in the daytime. Today I had to turn off the tv at my parents house (CNN on a gigantic screen) because I couldn't take it for more than 15 minutes at a time and it was not appropriate for small children at all. I get news online and occasionally watch news after the kids are in bed (public television has better news programs I find). Sometimes I listen on the radio.

I'm pregnant, so I've learned not to watch the news on TV. It's too upsetting. I find out what I need to know through various news sources online or through comedians like Jon Stewart.

I don't watch local news because 99.9% of the time it's negative - RATINGS is more of the focus than actual information. I listen to radio news - NPR, etc. Give more of an overview, plus other world news, misc. culture stories, etc. I don't listen to talk radio or TV at all because it's biased and one-sided.

We don't have a TV (I know - we are weird!) so my news comes from online and the weekend newspaper. I read it daily. I think it makes it much much easier to handle this way. The TV stations seem to sensationalize things AND play it over and over.

I dont watch the news either..i do catch glimpes of it when DH watches. I have him turn it off when our toddler is around!!! And Dh will tell me of an earthquake etc or school shooting but otherwise I dont want to know the local news cause there is something horrible daily.

I honestly try not to watch the news. (However I do catch the headlines of the news on our local tv station or newspaper website)

I watch the news because contrary to the saying, ignorance is not bliss. I watch fox news and the local news.
Then I pray.

I read two newspapers a day, log on to good news websites and watch some parts of the news. I teach college-level critical thinking and writing so it is kind of a job requirement that I stay as informed as possible. My students are usually required to write argumentative papers about current social issues and one of my jobs is to teach them how to critically assess the reliability of information that is being presented as "news." Having said all that, I will say that it is getting harder and harder these days to stay informed without losing hope in the world.

I am a teacher in a country where many folks seem to want to blame my profession for the economic crisis.
I serve many students who are in crisis due to the economic collapse.
I serve students who are enlisting and getting ready to face the risks in Iraq and Afganistan in order to serve their country.
I serve students who are veterans and are dealing with many challenges.
I live in a town where there is 25% unemployment and a high level of gang activity.

So I decided to give up worrying for lent and trying to trust in god a bit more.
Then Japan happened. Earthquake, tsunami, nuclear crisis. Thousands of innocent people gone or suffering.

It is hard to take, but I cannot turn my back, so I pray for them and donate money to the red cross.