It doesn't matter that we're over the pond, the media here is just as obsessed with the shootings at Virginia Tech. I don't get it. Doesn't all the media interest just feed into this guy's madness? It says loads to me that he took the time to contact the media in between shootings. Urgh. I'm probably a jerk for saying this, but my first thought on hearing how alienated and lonely he felt, was why didn't he behave like a normal depressed person, and kill only himself. Was it misogyny that pushed him over the edge? All around hatred? My response is not very Buddhist, I know, but part of me is just so sick of these assholes.
The best books I've read on violence are Gavin de Becker's Gift of Fear and Fear Less. He's pretty harsh on how the media whips us up into a state of fear, esp. regarding 9/11 and domestic terrorism. After 9/11 I was "news addicted" - I'd leave CNN on all night and snooze in front of the TV, just 'cos I didn't want to miss any "breaking" news. I did this for months. I stopped, partly from reading de Becker's second book, and partly 'cos my friend Brook, who is an early riser, said she'd phone me if there was "breaking" news.
So... here I am in Ireland, not watching the news. Instead I'm taking photos for stock. Today? Cheese sandwiches.
The best books I've read on violence are Gavin de Becker's Gift of Fear and Fear Less. He's pretty harsh on how the media whips us up into a state of fear, esp. regarding 9/11 and domestic terrorism. After 9/11 I was "news addicted" - I'd leave CNN on all night and snooze in front of the TV, just 'cos I didn't want to miss any "breaking" news. I did this for months. I stopped, partly from reading de Becker's second book, and partly 'cos my friend Brook, who is an early riser, said she'd phone me if there was "breaking" news.
So... here I am in Ireland, not watching the news. Instead I'm taking photos for stock. Today? Cheese sandwiches.
4 Comments:
It's all a bunch of over-hyped crap to keep us distracted from the actual pressing issues of the day. How many days is this thing going to overwhelm the news? What happened IS a tragedy. Let's say that and move on. Any more discussion about it & they're either using it to push an agenda or get ratings.
Blech.
And what's up with the national day of mourning? And the American flag that some Tech students were clutching? And the call to all 'Hokies' to wear their colors today?
MoT, can I marry you for an EU passport? I make a mean grilled-cheese sammy.
bb -- i'll bring the jameson's, you bring the ring.
:-)
cath
That's a great looking cheese sandwich. I think more than pizza, eggplant parm or hot fudge, a great cheese sandwhich is what I miss most since going vegan.
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