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Enough with the Negativity
I’m a pessimistic optimist (P.O.). I expect the worst out of people and the world, but I truly hope for the best. This outlook helps to keep my disappointment and unpleasant shock levels low like my eyes after puffin’ that stuff. A lot of folks won’t agree with it. But hey, that’s what makes me Slim and them…them. Over the last few days I’ve been evaluating my world view to see if I could transition from a P.O. to an O.P. (Optimistic Pessimist). What’s the difference? Well the O.P. has a more positive initial outlook, but is well aware that things can go to sh*t at any moment and almost expects it to happen. With this view, I’d open myself up to a bit more unpleasant shock and surprise. Unfortunately, the media isn’t really helping in my transition to a slightly more optimistic Slim.
I didn’t really read the newspaper until I started taking public transit to work, which was one day and one year ago today. I figured I had to do sumthin’ to occupy my mind as I tried to avoid all the awfulness that is the subway. But as each day went by and I read another edition, I found myself growing increasingly discouraged. Aside from the democratic primary excitement and Barack’s rise to celebrity status, the newspapers have been filled with stories of Iraq death toll counts, economic shittery, local murders, corrupt politics, and other Debbie Downerish type stories.
Even after I got to work with my coffee in hand and made my visit to cnn.com, it was much more of the same. Over time, the frequency of my visits to the site dwindled. It’s tough for me to even watch the local news at night before going to bed. I’d rather lay down to rest my head (pause) with a smile than with a frown or sigh of disillusionment about the info that’s semi forced upon me daily.
But since we’re over the hump this week, I figured I would briefly address a couple of the unpleasantries in the media that initially added to my disappointment. Why do I say initially? Well, I figured I’d try to turn some negatives into positives and I’m not talking drug or pregnancy tests or at least into bareables (I know that isn’t a word).
Greedy Bastards
On the national scene, we have Rod Blagojevich trying to go out in a blaze of glory on tv and news shows by claiming his innocence and how the system is cheating him of his rights. You’re embarrassing yourself and your family. Shut up. Sit down. Take your punishment for your unethical behavior. You didn”t see Elliot Spitzer or that gay governor out there attempting to cause callamity. They just faded into the abyss. At the end of the day, your life will suck anyway. Ya bastard.
Locally in Boston, there have been 2-3 State House of Representative members who’ve had to resign from their posts for taking bribes and other abuses of power to further themselves financially. FBI got pictures and videos of people meetin’ in coffee shops to collect loot from criminals. Embarassing. Does an oath of honesty make me laugh mean nothing anymore? Are times really that hard? Speaking of hard…
Recession
I’ve had enough of the recession stuff in the media. I know times are extremely tough for folks, but I’m tired of seeing the already depressin’ figures continue to climb and make the front page of the paper everyday. I wish every newspaper would take one day to put a smiley face on the front page so that people can be pleasantly surprised by what’s on the cover rather than frown-faced. Besides, women love smiley faces which makes them happy which means that we win at home, in the streets, or in the sheets (kinda) for that day. And as much as my finances are tight and as much as I hate bein’ stuck in my current role, I’ma keep buyin’ videogames and eatin’ at restaurants cuz those things make me happy and don’t necessarily destroy my body. Who am I going to blame for my continued spendin’ during rough times? The media…but at least I’m stimulating the love button economy.
So with all that said, how do you feel about what’s in the media nowadays and what are you doin’ to keep yourself optimistic during these increasingly tough times? If you hit the lotto recently…f*ck you.
Slim doesn’t do drugs.
28 Responses to “Enough with the Negativity”
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They always say dont read the papers because they are full of bad news. It gets disheartening to listen to the tales of failed business, crooked people in high positions suicide and murder.
I’d rather focus on the postive. The Lord allowed meto see another day. Another chance to reflect positive energy into the world.
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Call me a glutton for punishment, then, ’cause I read the papers and watch the news throughout the day. I read most of the major news publications online. I feel empowered having so much information available to me. I’m slick like an old lady or something when it comes to the morning and evening news. I need to know what is going on locally, nationally and globally from day to day. I am saddened and frightened by a great deal of what I read. Yet, I am entertained by the rank foolishness as well as encouraged by the constant surprise stories of the Good Samaritans and people who are trying to pay it forward and spread a little happiness and cheer, good will, if you will, to others who are less fortunate.
People need to know about the unemployment rates, the suicides, the homelessness. Perhaps then we can truly be more compassionate to others as none of us are truly safe economically or physically. I feel plugged in.
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I agree totally with the article…I am a P.O. kinda person nowadays…I haven’t watched the news in about a year…straight Weather Channel for me…
On a semi-related note…love the Boondocks reference!
“I sent that b$@# a smiley face…b$@#!& love smiley faces…” Gotta love Charlie Murphy/Ed Wuncler lol
Pulling out the DVD before I head to bed…
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Slim Jackson Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 10:06 am
lol @ weather channel. Come to think of it, my tv is on the weather channel a lot of times when I fall asleep or wake up with the tv on…
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Cuz Peyso Says So Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Burn me a copy of those DVDs
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Cheekie Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Man, even the Weather Channel can depress me. Then again, I live in “four seasons in one day” Chicago.
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Seattle Washington Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Dunno. I’d like to see more than one season once and awhile. Feel like I’m stuck in a non stop Winter Wonderland out here.
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Cuz Peyso Says So Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Thats what you say now but when you get caught on that 50 degree day with your snorkel and the next day on the 20 degree day with a sweatshirt, you gonna complain then
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Cheekie Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Peyso nailed it. That frostbite one day, sunburn the next mess can make you end up with the flu.
And we’ve had the longest Winter evah. Me and winter ain’t cool this year (I’m not a big fan of it at all, but this year winter is being extra). I’m dumping winter for a sexier, richer spring.
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I never watched the news. Now I am into it all the time. I wanna know what’s going on…BUT–when I read about Mr. Lupoe(fired not laid off from Kaiser Permanente) and his family…I was so saddened.
News is getting to be way too much.
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I am a P.O. at heart as it relates to people b/c they will generally let you down, but I think my faith changes that at times. I’m working on it.
I have the desire to be well informed about current events, only because of the kinds of circles I run in. But honestly, I’d rather read a few good blogs or watch the shows I have on DVR. Why spend time getting all annoyed or depressed at the sad state of this silly little world? I have become a regular at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ though. The Obama administration is making a special effort to be transparent, so I support.
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As ignorant as it seems, I don’t subscribe… I watch the news for about fifteen minutes and catch the headlines… I may click on cnn, but only for a second. If I buy the paper, I only look at the “Features.” Everything in the media is blown out of proportion for scare tactics and shock value.
I have a friend who watched nothing but CNN…. she was driving herself NUTS (and me too)… her entire conversation was fear. I told her if she kept it up, she’d never find a man. LOL.
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I watch the news every morning and what I realized is that the morning news is not as grim as the nightly news. Watch Fox 5′s (or your local affiliate) Good Morning NY and compare it to their 10pm news; big difference. Also, the news doesnt really bother me b/c I always write it off as happening to other ppl with money and what not. My ppl been in a recession for years, we didnt have any money to get cheated out of, we have tons of murder and crime and our schools already suck, so it doesnt bother me b/c it aint that new to me.
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You have a great day too Slim!
In fact I hope everyone has a great day
I used to have an 11/2 hr commute to work, until I moved closer to “work”- who moves closer to prison? Lol
So I know how it is reading the paper every day, flippin to the back to see my bs horoscope, reading the gossip column, and then putting that ish in recycling. It became an addiction for me…
I also used to tune in daily to the local 24/7 news channel where they constantly feature specials on what food is gonna give me cancer, what’s good for me to eat, and overtime I found that those foods somehow intertwine @ some point….so what I can’t eat???!!!
So I cut off my cable…well not by choice
But I feel so much better not having all that ish in my face all the time…If I want to see what’s up I will check online-by choice!
I learn & benefit more from talking to ppl, participating in the blog convos, and trying new things.
Oh and the best part about not having cable- not having to see the dreaded bald eagle-faced Nancy Grace on CNN..it doesn’t matter how fast I flip the channels…her face would somehow always appear on my screen-ahhhh!!!
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Slim Jackson Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Horoscopes are definitely one of the things I read. I like seeing who’s supposed to have a good day and who’s supposed to have a sh*tty one.lol.
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Watching all of the calamity and craziness in the world just makes me thankful for my blessings. Happy that my life is in as much order as it can be given the current conditions and grateful that I don’t have it as bad as some people.
I also keep in mind that all conditions (both good times and bad times) are temporary. So the best I can do is take everything one day at a time and trust that this too, shall pass.
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I agree with Nikki, I don’t really watch the news anymore, since its mostly for shock value, propaganda, and swaying public opinion, IMO. I used to watch CNN intently, but gave up shortly after the Obama/Hilary media-promoted feud, and Fox News’ tirade on Michelle Obama. Its gotten really bad now with all the Recession talk, but I did tune in for all the Obama hoopla (circa November – January), that always put a smile on my face
P.S. I’m def an O.P!
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I also haven’t read the newspaper as much as I have pre-public transit days. I actually prefer to read a magazine or a book, but as a last resort I like to
fantasize about those commuter brothas in corporate suitspick up a free Chicago newspaper to get through my 30-min commute.Negativity can kiss my lovely round ass. I’ve made a point not to tune into the news everyday for that very reason. It’s so easy to soak up in negativity. I’d even argue that it’s easier to soak in negativity than positivity because that’s how our society rolls, unfortunately.
Don’t get me wrong, nothing is more therapeutic than bonding with your homies in bitchfests, but positivity is cleansing, ya’ll! It’s good for the soul and all that other Oprah-talk. Even though The Secret and The Law of Attraction is becoming one of those “trendy” fads that I hate, I let it slide because it’s a good trend. A trend that I hope sticks with everyone who has picked it up. That ish works like a daily grind.
And because I love me some positivity, 75% of my news comes from The Colbert Report and The Soup.
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i watch the news occasionally, i also like to hear whats going on around me. but i def agree that a lot of the news lately has been really depressing.
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I hear you man…the news is mad depressing lately. It’s like the weather, economy and government are all competing to see which one can be worse. Trying to be optimistic in these times are tough. Every morning though, I get up and say “it could be worse”, and that’s enough to even things out a bit in my opinion.
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Gandhi put it nicely when he noted that the reason the news focuses on the bad of the world is because we as human beings are inherintly good. He said that we should be put at ease, actually, when we hear reports of bad things that are happening around the world because it means we are still shocked by it (and therefore still PO/OPP or whatever you wanna call it). I think when we know we’ve hit PP (and maybe the end of humanity) is when instead of hearing bad things in disbelief, we hear about people volunteering, giving to the poor, caring for orphans, etc., and we’re shocked by it.
I, like others, spend very little time watching the news. I want to know what’s going on in the world, but I’m generally a straight Blind Optimist (BO? lol) and I don’t like to know about sadness and pain. When I do catch wind of it, it just makes me feel blessed that I have so much to be thankful for, and also glad that we’re still (in general) humane.
Take it from the good book.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8 (read the whole thing).
Have faith, Slim. It’s all good. =)
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Black & Trapped in Toronto Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Jesus was black…..
I dunno felt like adding that in…..ok bye!!
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Joey Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Amen! lol
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yeah… i don’t read/listen to the ish anymore… i mean, certain aspects of my life are depressing enough and i suffer from the little chicken syndrome and think that the entire sky is going to fall…
on top of the fact that there is no good news outside of the fact that bush is out of office. blogs=my replacement for reading of current events… i know that’s bad and i should be more up on current events but it’s soooo depressing and i’m fighting for happiness right now. so if that means hitting the L 2 more times instead of reading an article in the paper that calculates how many people are now jobless, then let me get to puffin…
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One thing about the media that gets on my nerves is celebrity worship. It is not breaking news that Paris Hilton goes to jail or gets her Valtrex RX renewed.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Sadly, after you mentioned Paris Hilton and Valtrex, I googled it to see what the deal is. smh at myself. smh.
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Britt Reply:
January 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
LMAO!!!!! Shame on you!
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The News was designed to inform us about all the evils of the world, even entertainment news does the same thing. We sit and pay and attention and lust over cars/chicks/dudes and all the things that some of us think we might not be able to acheive.
In the end , we sit and wait until the end of the day and go through self torture of knowing that at this point we dont know what we could possibly due to solve world hunger and homelessness.
Think about how long in the urban community we been saying “Peace in the Middle East”…..
just my thoughts on the topic…..
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