Is it bad that I turn the news channel when they report of shootings?

B

BAM

Cathlete
It's awful! There have been horrible shootings lately - yesterday in New York with 14 people dead and several others injured and today in Pittsburgh where 3 police officers were killed. These are the most horrific incidents to occur. I want to change the channel when I hear of these stories. I always send out prayers to all involved but I just can't and don't want to hear about it. I know it's happening in the world and unfortunately that won't change but it's just so hard to hear. The ones who are suffering are the victims' families and friends. I don't want to seem as though I don't care, because I feel devastated when I hear of it, but it's just too much. I think that if it happened to me or a friend or family member, would I hope that people would show a concern? I just don't know what to do with these feelings. I want to show respect and sympathy for all affected but I'm also trying to take care of my internal self. What do you do with all of these mixed emotions and is it o.k. to just not listen to it?

Bam
 
I do the exact same thing- turn the channel! The news is too full of bad news! After a full day, I like serenity and the news broadcasts definitely do not provide that!
 
I know exactly how your feel and its not wrong. I used to read the paper every morning b/4 work and it was all bad news, horrific crimes and I thought, why do I want to start my day like this? So I stopped it and just catch the news on the radio when I can or the odd t.v. news program. I think there are days when we can handle certain types of news and other days it's just too much to bear.
 
I don't think so at all. DH and I have had a negativity ban in the house for the last few weeks because all the doom and gloom reports were really starting to impact us. We are happier and more productive for it. Of course we stay abreast of events but we too turn the channel once we have the basic facts. The media will hammer you into depression!
 
Thanks everyone. I guess we're all experiencing the same type of feelings. I really wish the news would be balanced with some good things that are happening in the world. All the negativity gives such a tainted view on how things are. I know there is more good in the world than evil but unfortunately you rarely hear about it.

Bam
 
I can't watch the news either

I don't think our nervous systems are even ment to deal with this stuff. It's only been the last 50 years or so that this kind of "news" could enter your home in such a graphic way. It used to be your neighbor you worried about, not the whole world. I know we need to be aware of what's going on in the world, but I don't think we need all the gory details. I think it's healthy to not want to listen or see this stuff. I notice my students seem so callous to things. I think their constant intake of crap on tv has a lot to do with it. I hate those shows that show people getting hurt as well. I have to turn off funniest home videos frequently. My daughter loves that show, but sometimes it just isn't funny to me. Especially when it's a kid who really could have been hurt. I don't want her to think peoples pain should be her entertainment. I watch less and less tv. I scan the news on the internet. The titles pretty much let me know what's going on. I can pick and choose the details from there.
 
hopefull said:
I notice my students seem so callous to things. I think their constant intake of crap on tv has a lot to do with it. I hate those shows that show people getting hurt as well. I have to turn off funniest home videos frequently. My daughter loves that show, but sometimes it just isn't funny to me. Especially when it's a kid who really could have been hurt. I don't want her to think peoples pain should be her entertainment.
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Perfectly stated! I think our youth is becoming desensitized because it has become such a norm in their daily life - so sad! I also agree about the home videos shows. I just don't find humor in someone falling, hurting themselves, being scared, etc.

Bam
 
Several weeks ago, I would have answered that I too often turned the page or flip the channel to try to keep the news of these horrible things from finding their way into my life,

But this past Friday I finished serving on the jury of a murder trial. I help find a 21 year old man guilty of felony murder-first degree and armed burglary (25 years to life sentence). He was 19 years old when the crime was committed. He did not pull the trigger, but was a principal participant in the crime and therefore guilty. Even though I know that I made the right decision, it was one of the worst moments of my life - but you know what? He didn't even seem affected when the verdict was read. I went home and cried for an hour.

Being part of this jury will have a lifelong affect on me. The public audience was filled with his associates who glared at us throughout the trial. There were 11 armed deputies and 2 armed "gang squad" officers in the court room. Every night we were escorted to our cars by armed officers.

We live our lives often untouched by true horror. It has made me all the more grateful for the life I have, yet has made me question why I am so blessed.

Debbie Russo
 
fitdeb said:
Several weeks ago, I would have answered that I too often turned the page or flip the channel to try to keep the news of these horrible things from finding their way into my life,

But this past Friday I finished serving on the jury of a murder trial. I help find a 21 year old man guilty of felony murder-first degree and armed burglary (25 years to life sentence). He was 19 years old when the crime was committed. He did not pull the trigger, but was a principal participant in the crime and therefore guilty. Even though I know that I made the right decision, it was one of the worst moments of my life - but you know what? He didn't even seem affected when the verdict was read. I went home and cried for an hour.

Being part of this jury will have a lifelong affect on me. The public audience was filled with his associates who glared at us throughout the trial. There were 11 armed deputies and 2 armed "gang squad" officers in the court room. Every night we were escorted to our cars by armed officers.

We live our lives often untouched by true horror. It has made me all the more grateful for the life I have, yet has made me question why I am so blessed.

Debbie Russo
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Wow, Debbie, what an amazing and I'm sure scary experience you had. I can only imagine all that you were experiencing on the inside. I applaud you for doing what you did.

Bam
 
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