Up early this Sunday morning with a coughing kid, I had a chance to meander through my feed reader to see what was happening in the world.
SNL highlights? Check. Political one upmanship? Check. Cubbies choked in the post-season...again? Check...again.
I get through the media's favorite topics, then browse the good stuff - the articles, human interest pieces and blog posts that didn't garner national attention and, because they aren't on the radar, talk about what is REALLY going on in the world.
I began to see a disturbing theme throughout my browsing - the use of the word or speculation of FEAR. I would be willing to bet those connections have been growing in the media before this morning, maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Maybe I didn't want to. But it tells you something about the world we are living in now that the feeling of fear and unease is so pervasive.
A few examples:
Fear Rules In Israel
In Israel, self-proclaimed modesty patrols are roaming the streets, targeting anything they believe threatens the beliefs of their ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. They often use violence eradicate that threat. Notable incidents include torching a retail store selling MP3 players that could be used to download pornography, and mobs of men attacking women for as little as wearing a red blouse (a color that could attract unwanted attention). (See full story here)
Financial Institutions "Paralyzed With Fear"
The bailout passed, but will it work? (See full story here)
Freaking out over economic fears
Media warns that we need to keep an eye out on the "anxiety index" (did you know there was such a thing? what government agency is manning this index? are my tax dollars paying for it?) as people worry about the future (See full story here)
Cadbury recalls Chinese-made candy in chemical scare
Cadbury chocolates are yanked off shelves as the company learns the Beijing plan that created them may have contaminated them with melamine.
See what I mean? It's all over the place.
While a healthy dose of fear in the face of a threat is a primitive defense mechanism that has saved a life or two, constantly living in fear can lead to stress, depression, phobias, inability to act, ulcers, and heart disease.
But here's what it comes down to, folks. It is our choice to either let what is going on in the world make us fearful and stressed out, or not. Truthfully - when is there NOT something terrible happening in the world? But I can only control what I can control. I can only worry about what I can influence (ie. my own finances, personal well-being, family life). The rest of it? I can't put my head in the sand and pretend it's not happening, but I may choose to browse my feed reader less often.
What about you? Have you changed your habits in any way to cope with current events? I'd love to hear from you!
Want to know more?
WebMD talks about Our Economic Crisis and the Role of Fear
ASU's Media Fear Mongers Among Us Always Cry Wolf (this piece is strangely relevant despite the '02 publish date)
