February 19, 2007



Media people are familiar with the phrase, "If It Bleeds, It Leads!" The phrase speaks volumes to professional journalists, who are always looking for ways to improve their viewership, readership or listenership. Better ratings mean more money for the networks, newspapers and radio stations, who inform us of the news.

Most of us know what to expect when we turn on the TV to watch the news, read the newspaper or listen to the news on the radio. We can expect to watch, read or hear about the primitive side of human nature: PREDATORY HUMAN BEHAVIOR GONE AWRY! Stories about murders, rapes, robberies and the like get top billing. The bloodier the story, the more likely it is to be mentioned first. One thing for sure about the news: MOST OF IT IS NEGATIVE!

What is the emotional pay-off for us to buy into the concept of sensational journalism? What motivates us to routinely watch, read or hear about depressing, "profit-ganda"-like stories? It's all about SUBLIMATION. In other words, the emotional appeal of the news has us saying to ourselves, "I'm glad that horrific story isn't about me!" On some ego level, it is soothing to know that we are alive and well even at the expense of the misfortunes of others. It's like reading the Obituaries to make sure our name isn't listed.

Yes, the human ego can be "self-centered" because one of its jobs is to protect us from harm. Sublimation is the same defense mechanism that has most drivers slowing down to gawk at the scene of a car accident because we can again find time to say to ourselves, "I'm glad that isn't me!" How can we keep informed of current events, but not live in fear, nor secretly acknowledge that our problems are less intense than other peoples problems?

Even though news reports inform us of negative local and world events, there is something positive about them. The news tells us about "out-of-the-ordinary" experiences. This means that most of what happens to people in the world is good rather than bad, which is very soothing to know. Good news is infrequently reported because it is so common! If it were the other way around, the reality of the news would be a lot different.

News people have an obligation to report human conflict, drama and controversy. Their high ratings are contingent on them doing their jobs while the rest of us choose to watch, read or listen. How are professional journalists taught to deal with the emotional aspect of their job? It is probably very difficult to interview a family member of someone who has been murdered. How do the rest of us process our emotions after having watched, read or listened to a depressing story? Is it better to avoid paying attention or better to keep informed of real life human pain and suffering? It all depends on a lot of things ... on a number of different levels.

I recall hearing actor, Charles Bronson, being interviewed by TV talk show host, Mike Douglas, circa 1970's, about his string of "Death Wish" vigilante movies. I am paraphrasing, but I believe Bronson was asked if his movies were contributing to the welfare of our society. Bronson's reply was that his movies pushed as many, if not more, "good buttons" as they did "bad" ones.

I am suggesting that watching, reading or listening to the news achieves the same results. For example, psychiatrists may suggest to some clients to stop watching the news on TV because it is too distressing to vicariously view real life human pain and suffering. On the other hand, others find no problem watching the news on TV. In fact, some people are prompted to act in positive ways after viewing the misfortunes and hardships of others. I remember how America became united after the 9/11 tragedy, when most of what we saw on TV was about the needless loss of human life.

Even though the news tends to perpetuate the myth that life is getting bad, other sources of information assert that life is better now than it was 100 years ago. For example, medical care and improved sanitation systems have meant an increased life expectancy. We're living 30 years longer than we did 100 years ago!

It is true that the news sheds light on our social problems. However, it is comforting to know that there is more "good" than "bad" going on in the world. Ironically, the bloody news reports are evidence of it because they are based on "out-of-the-ordinary" experiences. Take it from there and maybe as a result, more "good" buttons than "bad" ones can get pushed.

Written by,
Mark S. Rogers, LPC.
Licensed Professional Counselor

Thank you for being a good sport and supporting Stooltime Counseling, Devin! You have a beautiful and radiant smile!

No comments: