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Why are we so mean?

by Michael Motley
6 replies
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I'm looking through the news sites this morning and there are quite a few news stories that are just 'snarky'. For instance, there is a story on one of the women that tried to get the haitian orphans over into the dominican rep. and how she has all these issues with her company back in idaho.

I'm not sticking up for the woman or anything, but 1/2 the businesses in this country are going through the same crap of not being able to pay wages or cant meet some kind of business agreement due to the economy, but the press is ripping this chick a new one like she is the only business in the world that can't pay their employees and I'd like to know what the hell this has to do with the issue she has in Haiti right now?

There is a story about sarah palin and the ruckus thats going on because an outbuilding and a spa wasn't declared on property taxes on a piece of land she partly owns that is so far out in the boondocks that the only way to get there is by seaplane or snowmobile. Apparently any new declarations are something that is the responsibility of the county anyway, so it wasnt even her job to declare them in the first place but the press is rushing to crucify her.

Taylor Swift is getting torn apart because her grammy performance didnt wow some bloggers. The girl isnt even old enough to drink yet is talented enough to BE at the grammys and win big and have a sold out concert tour..who really cares if 1 live performance was a little off?

It just seems like the press, and people in general seem to be quick to 'feed' on any kind of performance issue or personal problem even when it serves no purpose other than to tear someone down.

ok, i'll put my soapbox away now.
  • Profile picture of the author DanPE
    Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

    I'm looking through the news sites this morning and there are quite a few news stories that are just 'snarky'. For instance, there is a story on one of the women that tried to get the haitian orphans over into the dominican rep. and how she has all these issues with her company back in idaho.

    I'm not sticking up for the woman or anything, but 1/2 the businesses in this country are going through the same crap of not being able to pay wages or cant meet some kind of business agreement due to the economy, but the press is ripping this chick a new one like she is the only business in the world that can't pay their employees and I'd like to know what the hell this has to do with the issue she has in Haiti right now?

    There is a story about sarah palin and the ruckus thats going on because an outbuilding and a spa wasn't declared on property taxes on a piece of land she partly owns that is so far out in the boondocks that the only way to get there is by seaplane or snowmobile. Apparently any new declarations are something that is the responsibility of the county anyway, so it wasnt even her job to declare them in the first place but the press is rushing to crucify her.

    Taylor Swift is getting torn apart because her grammy performance didnt wow some bloggers. The girl isnt even old enough to drink yet is talented enough to BE at the grammys and win big and have a sold out concert tour..who really cares if 1 live performance was a little off?

    It just seems like the press, and people in general seem to be quick to 'feed' on any kind of performance issue or personal problem even when it serves no purpose other than to tear someone down.

    ok, i'll put my soapbox away now.
    Simple answer : schadenfreude sells. Imagine that, this kind of thing is so common there's a name for it. People like to hear about bad things that happen to other people probably because it makes their lives better by comparison, or maybe it makes them feel less alone.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Michael,

    I guess they are tired about reporting the GOOD stuff done in Haiti. Heck, some people get SUCKERED into saving some kids, and the government then attacks them for TRAFFICING the kids. Maybe the US should simply say if they are going to do that, they will get SANCTIONS! THEY want to get help, and then spend money and time to create trouble, and possibly KILL others!?!?!? Arresting them for 15 MINUTES in an unsafe jail COULD be a DEATH SENTENCE! What if an earthquake happens and they DIE, or even lose part of a finger!?!?

    And Sarah was a PART owner, it was an out building(So smaller than the main house, and maybe even a SHED), and a SPA(So probably small). Was she even responsible!?!? And how much in tax money would that get them ANYWAY!?!?!? GEITNER did FAR worse!

    And Taylor Swift? After what KANYE did, they should probably LEAVE HER ALONE for a decade.

    But you're right. Some people are just NASTY!

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    Michael,

    Overall, the (ahem) "News" programs need ratings - so they can attract advertisers and make a PROFIT.

    Unfortunately, NICE stories don't interest enough people to make that happen. People revel in other peoples misery. Sorry, but it's the way it is.

    As for the Palin story, that's not hard to figure out (MSM), but that would be a political topic

    Remember - most of the news programs are nothing more than entertainment for the masses. Most of what we see is so "washed" that the truth tends to get lost - in the interest of ratings.

    That's why I gave up on most news shows quite some time ago.

    My opinion...
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    • Profile picture of the author ivanqfung
      Originally Posted by MikeAmbrosio View Post

      Michael,

      Overall, the (ahem) "News" programs need ratings - so they can attract advertisers and make a PROFIT.

      Unfortunately, NICE stories don't interest enough people to make that happen. People revel in other peoples misery. Sorry, but it's the way it is.

      As for the Palin story, that's not hard to figure out (MSM), but that would be a political topic

      Remember - most of the news programs are nothing more than entertainment for the masses. Most of what we see is so "washed" that the truth tends to get lost - in the interest of ratings.

      That's why I gave up on most news shows quite some time ago.

      My opinion...
      He's right. Controversy sells.... and that's all people want to hear = views = profits. That's why when I watch the news, I take it with a grain of salt.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    Same reasons gossip is such a huge industry, and I think it's one
    of those things that has endured the test of time. Why does traffic
    slow down even on interstates and the accident is on the other side.

    A few years ago I watched the movie about Marie Antoinette. Can't
    remember the director, but she's the daughter of a very well known
    director. Anyway, afterwards I became interested and read quite a bit
    about Antoinette's life, the French Revolution, and everything that
    happened.

    It was very enlightening because scholars and historians, who have
    researched and wrote on that subject, pretty much conclude that
    Marie A. was the victim of extreme social hatred and gossip because
    of what and who she was. She was never accepted by the French
    because she was Austrian, or German, and she was very young and
    different.

    Historians have narrowed down the sources, and instigators, of the
    propaganda against her, and it just originated from influential writers
    aligned with opposing political and social groups.

    They, the historians, have even determined that the famous quote
    attributed to Marie A., "Let them eat cake," was penned by a journalist
    sympathetic with opposing political parties. Of course that had a
    tremendously negative impact on the common people in Paris and
    Versailles.

    As mentioned above, what we all observe has much to do with the
    masses of society; catering to and influencing the herd mentality that
    is always present.

    I think most people who have their wits about them and keep themselves
    engaged and productive are more capable of remaining impervious to
    such influences.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lawrh
      Originally Posted by KenThompson View Post

      As mentioned above, what we all observe has much to do with the
      masses of society; catering to and influencing the herd mentality that
      is always present.

      I think most people who have their wits about them and keep themselves
      engaged and productive are more capable of remaining impervious to
      such influences.
      The herd mentality, the madness of crowds. Manipulation is so easy.

      I always keep the following in mind -

      Consensus equals death of thought.

      "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect."

      - Mark Twain
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      “Strategy without action is a day-dream; action without strategy is a nightmare.” – Old Japanese proverb -

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