Monday, January 21, 2008
Why do things matter after they affect us?
I have become an avid CNN viewer, (I am pretty sure I have been molded this way because it is constantly on, but not by my own doings). That is not the basis of this blog, my question for everyone who will read this is Why do things only matter to us when they affect us? Glenn Beck was on a few nights ago, and never once in my little bit of time watching his show have I ever heard him speak on healthcare, but suddenly he is advocating putting the "care" back into healthcare. The ironic part to this meritorious action, is that the only reason he is concerned is because it had a negative effect on him. I am asking this because it seems to me that he has resources that keep him up-to-date on what is going on in the world, he does address some issues but it seems as if he doesn't acknowledge the important issues unless they personally affect him. If I am wrong I am open to accept different ideas. All I ask is that you are polite when answering. Have a good day.
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6 comments:
If it doesn't effect you what is the point of it mattering. That would seem to be an attitude of interference, if it doesn't effect you.
I didn't see Mr. Becks show but it and CNN are businesses and their only obligation is to their sponsors. If they effect change for good or bad while they keep their ratings up they have done job regardless of the consequences.
I think the reason for that is probably human laziness. Why worry about something if it doesn't effect me directly? It's like spending the extra effort and energy worrying about things that have no potential to harm you. Altho there are people who do care about things that don't effect them and we call them activists.
I agree that we only seem concerned if the issue at hand effects us. I think it is because by human nature we are selfish and only think of ourselves. It doesn't matter if someone else has a problem it's all about us.
I agree with pmoten we are selfish and if something doesn't always affect use then it is not important and I think that is not far. The world today is a cold cold place and people should be more kinder to each other.
This is an important observation.
It's interesting that some folks think gays are evil, for example, until they have a child who is gay. Suddenly, they are tolerant.
Or
Someone feels that only folks who have insurance should have access to the health care system. They too seem to become more tolerant when someone they know is denied access to a specialist or a hospital.
I think our understanding of issues that impact folks who make minimum wage--or less--shouldn't have to involve our personal experience.
Sadly people often believe they have empathy but in fact are jerks. It requires an event to awaken them to their care-less-ness.
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