Let’s see….Tragedy in Turkey or Snooky!!
A friend of mine sent me a text the other day about some current events happening, more specifically the earthquake in Turkey. My radar is usually on high alert when it comes to world events, especially when so many people are involved. When I went to my computer to get an update on this tragic event, I was hit by the stark contrast of the TWO top stories of the day. Interestingly enough, the other top story of the day was that Snooky (of Jersey Shore fame) had recently published a new book. Forgive me that I don’t remember the title of this new Top Seller. You see, publishing a book is quite a difficult endeavor, and I wondered how Snooky seemed to have an easier time than I did getting her book to print. I guess I could look up the title of her new book like a detailed and thorough writer should, but I think I will pass. Trying not to get too caught up in myself, my second reaction was to quickly overlook this potentially very important and exciting event (sarcasm), and I quickly turned my attention to the events in Turkey. I was reading about the incredible story about the baby that was rescued from the rubble and thought to myself; WOW, now that is newsworthy. So were the detailed descriptions of what happened, how it had affected so many, and I was particualrly struck by the overall humanitarian component of this tragedy; items that typically touch my heart. My thoughts immediately turned inward and as I usually do when kids are affected, I thought about my own children. Similar to how many of you might have felt while viewing this news, I became thankful for my present situation, the health of my children, and not one thought about the current obstacles I face. It typically doesn’t take us very long to realize that our lives are really good in light of these types of events, and our prayers collectively go out to the folks affected.
A few hours went by, and as I was preparing to chair a sales meeting, the following question popped into my small North Carolina brain:
“If I were to poll 100 people, how many of them would open the “Snooky” headline before the “earthquake” headline. I ask a few people at work, and low and behold, many of them had the same thoughts as I had…….that more than half (maybe more) would have opened and read the Snooky piece first. As a matter of fact, many of these people probably opened the Snooky piece and didn’t even bother to read about the tragedy in Turkey. I can tell you, this DID NOT give me a good feeling about the general population. I actually got a little sick to my stomach wondering how and when we became so immune to tragedy, unaffected by what happens to others, and totally in awe and inspired by NOTHING. No offense to Snooky, I am sure she is a sweet girl, but come on folks…….really??
Go ahead, give yourself a litmus test right now, but instead of Snooky, replace it with your favorite celebrity. Quite a test...right? Does this mean that you are a bad person? Of course it doesn’t. But it does kind of hit home, doesn’t it? Have we really become immune to tragedy? If it doesn’t affect us directly, do we go about our daily lives without spending time to think about, pray about, or even pontificate over the thought of how all of these people will get on with their lives? Perhaps, the question is too general in nature, but it is my belief that it is incumbent upon us as humanitarians to embrace these events, try and put ourselves in their shoes, and most of all... to pay close attention to what is going on in the world.
I am in conversations quite often with people who really do not like watching the news, mostly because they are trying to stay protective of their space, their attitudes, and want to keep negativity out of their lives. It is not my place to be judgmental of these folks, but clearly I have a different approach. I embrace these types of events, as I feel it provides perspective, awareness, and the ever present knowledge that anything can happen...anytime...to anyone. For me, paying attention to these events actually helps me stay protective of MY attitude, my reactions to things, and gives me a glimpse into how other’s might feel, what they experience, and how their lives are affected as a result of tragedy. After all, the old saying; “there but for the grace of God go I” ……is really as true and poignant of a statement that exists. Regardless of your beliefs, these things could totally be happening to you. As a matter of fact, we all experience tragedy in some way, shape, or form at some point in our lives.
For those of you who have read my writing, you know that I spend quite a bit of time writing about adversity and how overcoming adversity is one of the fundamental components of living a full and happy life. It’s also one of the characteristics that I will cover in my new book, Capacity; which will be about the characteristics one needs to sharpen in an attempt to live a life of full capacity that leads towards happiness, fulfillment, and contentment. There is an old say (by Socrates I think):
“The stone doesn’t get polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trails.”
This is one of my all time favorites, and really hits home when I read about tragedy. I feel that there are reasons for everything, and as tragic as it may seem in the moment, at some point in time (in this life or the next) the reason will reveal itself. Our job is to accept it, pay attention to it, pray for those affected by it, and try and gather meaning in our own lives as a result of what we witness. Not sure you could get all of that from Snooky’s gripping new read (more sarcasm).
In the end, our obsession with celebrity I feel has become harmful to our humanity. The fact that these reality TV show personalities become rich and famous in our society is really embarrassing to me. No, I don’t think about it every day, and certainly don’t waste precious time worrying about what other people do. However, I do have a conscious, I do have a moral code, and I do have influence with many people; especially my five children. When I talk about this with them, I will be sure to express how I feel about the importance of staying focused and aware of the truly important things in life. You see, every single one of us has a responsibility to our fellow humans to share our thoughts, our opinions, and our feelings about inequities...not in a negative and judgmental way, but in a caring, thoughtful, and reflective way that shines a light in a place that resides deep inside all of us. A light that was meant to shine, and a message that can build momentum for things that are important to us. Because if it is important to you, I can guarantee it is equally important to many people in your circle and sharing your voice is one of the most important contributions you can make to your fellow man.
Peace
A few hours went by, and as I was preparing to chair a sales meeting, the following question popped into my small North Carolina brain:
“If I were to poll 100 people, how many of them would open the “Snooky” headline before the “earthquake” headline. I ask a few people at work, and low and behold, many of them had the same thoughts as I had…….that more than half (maybe more) would have opened and read the Snooky piece first. As a matter of fact, many of these people probably opened the Snooky piece and didn’t even bother to read about the tragedy in Turkey. I can tell you, this DID NOT give me a good feeling about the general population. I actually got a little sick to my stomach wondering how and when we became so immune to tragedy, unaffected by what happens to others, and totally in awe and inspired by NOTHING. No offense to Snooky, I am sure she is a sweet girl, but come on folks…….really??
Go ahead, give yourself a litmus test right now, but instead of Snooky, replace it with your favorite celebrity. Quite a test...right? Does this mean that you are a bad person? Of course it doesn’t. But it does kind of hit home, doesn’t it? Have we really become immune to tragedy? If it doesn’t affect us directly, do we go about our daily lives without spending time to think about, pray about, or even pontificate over the thought of how all of these people will get on with their lives? Perhaps, the question is too general in nature, but it is my belief that it is incumbent upon us as humanitarians to embrace these events, try and put ourselves in their shoes, and most of all... to pay close attention to what is going on in the world.
I am in conversations quite often with people who really do not like watching the news, mostly because they are trying to stay protective of their space, their attitudes, and want to keep negativity out of their lives. It is not my place to be judgmental of these folks, but clearly I have a different approach. I embrace these types of events, as I feel it provides perspective, awareness, and the ever present knowledge that anything can happen...anytime...to anyone. For me, paying attention to these events actually helps me stay protective of MY attitude, my reactions to things, and gives me a glimpse into how other’s might feel, what they experience, and how their lives are affected as a result of tragedy. After all, the old saying; “there but for the grace of God go I” ……is really as true and poignant of a statement that exists. Regardless of your beliefs, these things could totally be happening to you. As a matter of fact, we all experience tragedy in some way, shape, or form at some point in our lives.
For those of you who have read my writing, you know that I spend quite a bit of time writing about adversity and how overcoming adversity is one of the fundamental components of living a full and happy life. It’s also one of the characteristics that I will cover in my new book, Capacity; which will be about the characteristics one needs to sharpen in an attempt to live a life of full capacity that leads towards happiness, fulfillment, and contentment. There is an old say (by Socrates I think):
“The stone doesn’t get polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trails.”
This is one of my all time favorites, and really hits home when I read about tragedy. I feel that there are reasons for everything, and as tragic as it may seem in the moment, at some point in time (in this life or the next) the reason will reveal itself. Our job is to accept it, pay attention to it, pray for those affected by it, and try and gather meaning in our own lives as a result of what we witness. Not sure you could get all of that from Snooky’s gripping new read (more sarcasm).
In the end, our obsession with celebrity I feel has become harmful to our humanity. The fact that these reality TV show personalities become rich and famous in our society is really embarrassing to me. No, I don’t think about it every day, and certainly don’t waste precious time worrying about what other people do. However, I do have a conscious, I do have a moral code, and I do have influence with many people; especially my five children. When I talk about this with them, I will be sure to express how I feel about the importance of staying focused and aware of the truly important things in life. You see, every single one of us has a responsibility to our fellow humans to share our thoughts, our opinions, and our feelings about inequities...not in a negative and judgmental way, but in a caring, thoughtful, and reflective way that shines a light in a place that resides deep inside all of us. A light that was meant to shine, and a message that can build momentum for things that are important to us. Because if it is important to you, I can guarantee it is equally important to many people in your circle and sharing your voice is one of the most important contributions you can make to your fellow man.
Peace
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