Relating to the latest mass shooting,
having observed the various newspapers fighting for newsstand
dominance with the catchiest headline and tv networks outdoing each
other in quest of audience share with the interminableness of their
coverage, I couldn't help realizing this was the perfect, most
elegant hypocrisy. Forget about gun control as a solution to the
mass shooting epidemic. It's the media coverage that is the reward
for these actions. Without the headlines and celebrity there would
be little reason for these lonely white boys to carry out their
fantasies. Surely the newspaper and television people know this, yet
they continue providing the incentive. With every word of calculated
regret and expression of horror, with the very same breath, they are
setting the stage for the next one.
As I ate my public breakfast this
morning surrounded by tv's, a woman down the way said in disgust of
a talking head, “It's them that's causing it.” It was the first
time I'd ever heard anybody point out that very obvious fact.
The only logical conclusion to draw is
that it is intentional, else why would they do it? To take it a step
further, maybe we, the people subconsciously enjoy the whole circus.
Maybe deep down somewhere we get that good old relief that it wasn't
us, wasn't our kids. If not, why do so many people buy the papers
and watch the coverage when we know that encourages the media to
continue the cycle?
I think we should face this fact: that
mass shootings fall in the category of entertainment and therefore
big business. If we face this, and feel wrong enough about it, then
maybe something will be done to prevent them.
No comments:
Post a Comment