Life In A Bubble

It isn't possible, realistic or even responsible, but sometimes I wish I could live life in a "bubble."

In my bubble there wouldn't be any CNN, or FOX or any other news channel.  There wouldn't be a "right" or a "left", a "liberal" or a "conservative" in the bubble.  The bubble would have lots of positive expressions, great weather and no negativity!  The bubble would have lots of happy children respecting their parents, getting good grades in school and being "kids."

I know, there is no bubble, but that doesn't mean I can not wish for one.  The world has become ever so negative since the expansion of "social media."  I know that isn't the only problem, but the anonymity of talking "trash" to others who you don't have to see face to face, has definitely exacerbated the problem.  I am constantly shocked by the way people talk to one another on Facebook and other social sites.  I am also shocked by the mass disrespect of persons in authority; whether it be the President of the United States, or the local Police.  The recent assassinations of law enforcement officers has sickened me, and made me wonder just how much worse it can get.

One summer in 1984 I spent six weeks sailing the Bahamas on a 37 foot catamaran with a friend.  There was no TV, no regular radio (just weather warnings) and no newspaper.  It was an amazing time.  Living off the fish we caught and/or bought from locals and the groceries we brought along or bought at small islands was refreshing.  Cooking out on deck.  Not having refrigeration.  Catching a lot of our own food.  Wow!  I was ready to go home and sell my home and move aboard.  It was amazing.

I have gotten more and more likely to watch exclusively the Hallmark Channels, because of their G rated programming.  I am more and more careful what books I buy and movies I see.  I grew up in a small town in Maryland in a time where there was no social media, only a couple news channels, and neighbors actually talked to each other!  If you had laundry on the line and it began to rain, a neighbor would take your clothes in for you...because you didn't have to lock the doors.  You didn't hear about 15 murders, robberies and home invasions every time you turned on the TV.  The TV was actually about "entertainment."  There were shows which made you laugh and cry.  There was Ed Sullivan, Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo.

Two years ago, we moved to Ogden, Utah.  I must say it is much more like living in the sixties than where we moved from. There is a definite "small town" feel here.  People speak to one another on the street.  In the summer there are Monday movies shown in the local outdoor amphitheater.  There is a Saturday Farmer's Market in the downtown park.  Oh, there is some crime, but much less than most other places I have lived.  I am praying that doesn't change.

I can't actually live in a "bubble," but I can turn off the TV, read books, or when I listen to the TV choose not to watch those things which sew negativity and hate in my spirit.  Maybe we all need to watch a little less.  Oh, I know there are some who will say that you need to be "educated" to vote, but I don't believe that what the media is feeding us these days is actually "educating" us on what the politicians actually believe.  There is so much division and hate speak that no one really seems to be listening to what is actually important anymore.  I want to see politicians put their thoughts down in writing.  I want to stop the hate speak and negativity and have people share open, civil communication again.

Do you think it's possible? Or, have we gone so far over the edge that there is no turning back?
I certainly hope not.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Social Media - Good or Bad?

I love sharing neat photos like this on Facebook and my blog.  This is a painting on a HUGE silo and it is truly beautiful and amazing.  I love posing recipes and sharing valuable information also.

However, my emotions have become very mixed lately about facebook.  Some people have decided to use it as the perfect place to spew all kinds of vitriol.  Oh, I don't mind people sharing their opinions, that is what free speech is all about. I am talking about positively viscious comments and attacks on individuals and groups.

We are seeing more and more evidence of hate dividing this Country right in half.  I am seriously considering disconnecting from FB because of some of the terribly negative and derogatory comments I see there on a daily basis.

I have really enjoyed connecting with some of my old high school acquaintances.  I have re-connected with a neighbor of mine whom I hadn't heard from in over forty years!  What fun we have had catching up.  I also found a cousin on FB and even one fellow I thought had been killed in Viet Nam.  That has been so much fun.

But, when I get on line and see people demonstrating open hostility, racism and hatred of another group whether it is illegal aliens, gays, African Americans, and even the President of the United States, I am disappointed at the state of our Country and the world as a whole.  I had hoped that by now we might actually live in a kinder, gentler world. I had hoped for a world where starving children in our own Country was reason for us to pull together and put an end to it.  I had hoped that ALL Americans regardless of their income or "status" would be able to access affordable healthcare.  I had hoped that those who have an abundance could look at the homeless and say, "but for the Grace of God, there go I." 

Instead, I am witnessing daily comments about how heterosexuals should hate gays, how it's just their own fault if people are jobless and that there are jobs out there if you just look.  Baloney!  Yes, in some areas of the Country there may be a few more jobs available than in other parts.  But, I think it is pretty indicative of how bad things are when thousands of people show up vying for only 10 or 15 jobs.  Many people say, "Well, I would NEVER take food stamps."  Let me tell you right now people, if your children were going to bed hungry every night you WOULD be thankful for the food stamp program and any other assistance from food banks, etc. that might be available to you.

Never say never.  If you are blessed with a job and good health and a roof over your head...you are blessed. Not everyone is so fortunate.  I hope you never have to watch your child die because you can not afford the proper insurance to pay for health care/surgery/chemo. 

I am a retired Registered Nurse, and I became a Nurse to give something back to the world.  We have become a selfish, greedy Nation and people.  We no longer care about the child next door.  I'm not talking about the children in Asia or Africa, but the children in our own cities and counties.  I found out recently that there are 300 homeless children in Monroe County Georgia's School System alone.  This is frightening.  I don't know why they are homeless or hungry, and I really don't care why.  I just know that I am glad that Tabernacle Baptist Church started a "Backpack Buddy" program to give these children bags of groceries to take home on Friday afternoons so that they will not be hungry. 

We donate regularly to the local Food Bank.  There are elderly people who don't have enough income to buy groceries and pay for their medications.  Are we to let them starve?

So, I ask you this.  In your use of Social Media are you trying to do something GOOD for the world, or are you just spreading hateful, prejudiced, selfish vitriol?  I'm trying to decide whether to participate any more in FB.  I am still praying that the good will overcome the bad...call me a Pollyanna!