The News Media is at it again. They are perpetually trying to create a story or series of stories that would put the world in panic mode. In the past we have feared the Asian Bird Flu, Killer Bees, Shark Bites, West Nile Virus, and so on. Instead of reporting the news, the media at large puts a negative spin on everything in an attempt to boost ratings. It's an irresponsible and despicable use of the public airway but if it were all wine and roses, would you tune in?
It is quickly becoming a trend to have each new summer bring with it a wave of new urgent stories to stir up public attention. The newest reason to panic is the Swine Flu. The swine flu, just like the horrific shark attacks and the killer bees that never made it to the US, is not as bad as reported. According to the LA times, “Scientists see this flu strain as relatively mild.” http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.storyNow
The Swine Flu could become horrible, God forbid. However, it’s simply not that bad right now. What is worse is the panic everyone is in over the possibility of a mass pandemic.
It’s not enough to just report the negative or tragic but the media comes up with horrifying slogans and inappropriate logos to sell the story. Tag lines read before every commercial indicate we are all going to die; we just need to tune in to see how.
I believe we have created a culture of fear perpetuated by the media and government.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sexting
Sexting has become an issue. It is sad but we all saw this coming. With new technology come new problems which bring new laws which bring division among lawmakers.
For those unaware of the term, “Sexting “is basically text messaging racy or nude images and or content to another person. It is illegal and teenagers are facing some serious charges. One Ohio seventeen year old who sent nude pictures to her ex-boyfriend may be convicted of child-pornography charges. If convicted she would be a registered sex offender for the next 20 years.
Some blame the parents, some blame technology. How is the state of Vermont handling this? They simply want to make, “sexting” legal. Either way, it is a big issue that is getting attention.
The simple solution is to limit cell phone and internet use to teens but this puts the responsibility on potentially irresponsible parents. Cell phone companies could refuse to sell multimedia packages to teenagers but then they would lose business. Plus this would punish all teenagers when the problem thus far is isolated to about 20%.
Once again the world is screaming for parents to step up and be parents. Thirteen year old kids do not need unlimited access to the internet via a mobile devise. It has been proven that most teenagers, when left to do whatever they want with no accountability or parenting, will get into trouble.
It is a tragedy that sexting has to even become an option.
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Albert Einstein
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/vermont/2009-04-12-2912877058_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-03-11-sexting_N.htm
For those unaware of the term, “Sexting “is basically text messaging racy or nude images and or content to another person. It is illegal and teenagers are facing some serious charges. One Ohio seventeen year old who sent nude pictures to her ex-boyfriend may be convicted of child-pornography charges. If convicted she would be a registered sex offender for the next 20 years.
Some blame the parents, some blame technology. How is the state of Vermont handling this? They simply want to make, “sexting” legal. Either way, it is a big issue that is getting attention.
The simple solution is to limit cell phone and internet use to teens but this puts the responsibility on potentially irresponsible parents. Cell phone companies could refuse to sell multimedia packages to teenagers but then they would lose business. Plus this would punish all teenagers when the problem thus far is isolated to about 20%.
Once again the world is screaming for parents to step up and be parents. Thirteen year old kids do not need unlimited access to the internet via a mobile devise. It has been proven that most teenagers, when left to do whatever they want with no accountability or parenting, will get into trouble.
It is a tragedy that sexting has to even become an option.
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” Albert Einstein
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/states/vermont/2009-04-12-2912877058_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-03-11-sexting_N.htm
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