Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Bandwagon . . . kinda


The Boston Marathon bombing. I guess it's all anyone can talk about right now. So I'll jump on the bandwagon. BUT, before you read on, please understand I don't like bandwagons. Keep that in mind.

I've been reading a lot - blogs, tweets, news stories, Facebook updates . . .

There are some things I can't escape. First, who makes up those little pictures on Facebook? You know, the ones with a candle burning for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, asking to be passed around on social media? I've seen three different ones so far. Somewhere, this is someone's initial reaction to tragedy - must make Facebook thingy and see how many shares it will get.

Strange world. Stranger that people keep sharing it. I don't understand the point. Does it make a difference? Do people think they are "doing something" about the tragedy, or "raising awareness" or "sending love" to victims. I have no idea. I don't get it. If one of my family members had been killed or seriously injured, a candle being shared on FB wouldn't do much for me. Maybe it's just me. And the cynic asks, is it just an ego thing, to see how many times it will be shared? Can I beat the other guys' candle thingies?

And yes, celebrities are quick to tweet their thoughts about the bombing, condolences, "thoughts and prayers." And why wouldn't they post the same meaningless stuff. They're the same as everyone else I guess. They just get more exposure, due to their elevated social status. When they tweet their thoughts and prayers, it's quickly picked up by major news media; saw a headline: "Celebs tweet from Boston Marathon, offer support." There were other similar stories reprinting what celebs were tweeting.

Patton Oswalt, I see, is getting a fair bit of play for his published thoughts on the bombing. (He's a comedian, been on TV, a few sitcoms, most recently Two and a Half Men, I think. Google him if you really want to know). Anyway, if I had to summarize his stuff, it was basically, there are more good people than bad. Bombers bad, people helping victims good. Honestly, a nice read at first blush.

Memorable finale: "So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.'"

Yeah, nice thoughts I guess. He'll probably raise his celeb status a notch or two for the next week or so. Look for him on Ellen, or something. And the cynic in me has to ask . . . was that the goal?

And I must also point out that the definition of "good" is way up for grabs, depending on your geography, religion, social status, skin colour, sexual preference, cell phone choices, sock material and how much food you have access to in any give week.

Ugh, I feel like such a cynical grump. Can't help it. I yam what I yam.

But hey, I've already gone this far . . .

Anyone know how many children died of starvation around the world today? How many child soldiers were "recruited?" How many people were executed for belonging to the wrong political party?

Sorry kids, "the good" are busy tweeting right now, sending thoughts and prayers, creating candle thingies for Facebook. They are making a difference, raising awareness and sending love. Can ya feel it?

2 comments:

  1. Wow, you are a cynic : ) Okay. Harry and I had this talk over breakfast yesterday. I think a huge part of this is the problem of a 24/7 news media cycle. Because they have all this time to fill they keep repeating questions, asking ridiculous questions and it gets picked over to death! I think it would be better to save up one well-written piece for the evening news.
    As for the FB post etc. I know what you mean. The first time I saw a graphic with all the candles was for the Sandy Hook shootings. And I thought it an appropriate touch. Now I see all this stuff popping up everywhere, new names plunked in, and it seems slick and insincere.
    As for all the other pain happening out there I think it's highly unfortunate that it doens't get the press it should. However I think that the fact that there's tons of daily pain doens't negate the pain to the people who were there Monday. Okay. Now I need a coffee. Have a good day Mike. Do you still have snow out there?

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  2. I've wondered who creates those candles on facebook too. I've also wondered about the sick children photos that get shared a million times. I always wish the best for any sick child and truly feel sad for any child who has to go through that pain but I never share or like the photos. But I did have to laugh recently when I saw a funny pin on pinterest that had a photo of a doctor with his hand on his head as though he has a headache and a caption that said "Come on facebook, only 40 more likes and I can save this little girl's life".

    - LGB

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