Priorities

Am I the only person who does not care how celebrities spent their Thanksgiving? It is a sad day for the media when the most interesting story that they can find is what Britney Spears did on Thanksgiving. It would be less offensive if they at least conjured up something semi-entertaining or at least discussed topics concerning all Americans. The concern for global warming or the lack of a decent healthcare plan, take a back seat to wondering who is going to be the next American Idol.

I can’t turn on the TV or listen to the radio without hearing an anecdote about Britney Spears, or Nicole Richie. Because of this, I only listen to CDs in my car. I also cancelled the cable in my apartment. I’d rather stare at a blank screen and talk to the walls than listen to any more pointless stories about celebrities. I’m not saying that everything on the news has to be about war and politics and the economy, but if people knew half as much about these issues as they do about the latest fads, according to the most recent one hit wonder, the country would be in better shape. We’re raising our children to be materialistic vultures with absolutely no respect for the people or the environment in which they live.

Resource conservation is certainly not respected and is only enforced in eleven states of the U.S. Global warming is a serious concern, not only for us, but for the entire world population. However, our government refuses to take a stronger stance on the issue. As Americans, we have the right to force these issues upon our leaders and demand swifter action. But not enough people stand up for their beliefs anymore. Perhaps if we saw more about global warming in the media, and less about celebrity icons, more of us would be motivated to take action. Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, takes a strong and intelligent stance on global warming. This documentary, even though it won an Academy Award, was criticized by the New York Times for containing “fictitious” elements. This sort of censure is confusing to the public and creates a foundation for inaction. This example proves that self awareness is essential in making sure that the facts we see on TV are indeed the facts.

Information is easily accessible due to the technological revolution of the last half century. Whereas these advances have been truly wonderful, they have also come with a price. Many years ago, mankind produced a truly stunning object, stunning enough to still be around today. The objects are usually rectangular and contain several pieces of paper that are bind together. These items are called books. A book is a truly wonderful thing in the sense that it forces your complete concentration on the material. It is easy enough to “space out” while watching a TV show or to have an ongoing solitaire game while trying to read an article online. In an age where multitasking is a requirement for many jobs and is taught in our schools, it is unrealistic to think that the majority of the country has the patience to sit and read a book. Despite the fact that books are often “one-sided” when it comes to a debatable issue, research can be an educational tool in providing an individual with enough facts to make a decision concerning a certain topic.

While many people warship the entertainment sections of their favorite show or tabloid, I purposely avoid it. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts I still stumble into segments about Tom Cruise or some other bored Hollywood actor or over-privileged child star. And even if I can avoid seeing it, wherever I go, people are talking about it. They’re talking about Lindsey Lohan while they’re pumping gas at over $3.00 a gallon. They’re wondering “Who’s the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby” or “why did Britney shave her head?” There is a series problem with national priorities. With the world slipping further and further into the future, the dangers of ignorance and the lack of strong leadership can prove to be impeding for our nation. And that, my friends, is all too sad.