Sensationalism

written by: stacia_doss.

TLC's "Breaking Amish" Cast (via the TLC website)

The definition of sensation (according to good ol' Merriam-Webster) is "arousing or tending to arouse (as by lurid details) a quick, intense, and usually superficial interest, curiosity, or emotional reaction." This is what we, as Americans, love. We love the documentation of "reality TV." Yes, even when that reality is quite pseudo, something about the drama and excitement of it makes us continue to watch. I found myself doing so the other day as I watched "Breaking Amish," TLC network's reality show that documents young adults who seemingly have recently broken free from their Amish (and Mennonite) communities to live life as the "English" (as they call it) in New York City. I started looking up information about the characters and all that appeared was that it was not as real as I had hoped, and TLC admitted it. These people were not-so-new to the world outside of the communities in which they were brought up, but had been away for some time. But did I stop watching the show? No. I continued...I liked the drama of it. I liked the sensationalism that TLC was trying to bring and it piqued my curiosity. 

Look at the presidential debates. People are drawn to the drama of it all and if there is not much action, we typically are not that interested. Things could get boring for many. Yes, the debates are important. I know that. However, the media focus has been the "aggressiveness" and drama of the past two debates. Does it really matter who interrupts the most or who speaks the loudest? Of course not! The issues are what matters, and fortunately for the Americans, the debates give them a chance to hear both. The "winner" according to polls is usually the "most aggressive," rather than who said the most words that were actually meaningful and cohesive together. The concept of a debate is basically an argument, so there you get both. It's more dramatic to watch the demeanor of the candidates on television, but hearing it on the radio can be just as "exciting." Have you ever thought about it that way? People get so anxious and aroused to hear candidates call each other out on issues. A sense of excitement nearly overcomes them. I guarantee you that the highlight and the most remembered moments of last week's vice presidential debate was the laughter and sarcastic smirks of Vice President Joe Biden. I am not saying he was not making some great points, but that was the most sensational aspect of the debate. It brought a hint of drama.

My sister sent me a video today. "You have to watch this," she said. She was in disbelief that I had not seen this viral video, so I checked it out. It was part of what inspired this post. (Before you click, the language in the video burned my ears. It may be better to watch it on mute.) Here is the video. It was ridiculous, right? But it wasn't so much the main point of the video that made me think, it was the fact that there is a video. When we see anything exciting or dramatic unfolding before our eyes, many of us reach for our phones to proceed to take photos and record. It looks as if someone in the video got closer to the drama to film his or her own version.Why?! Is it just a human instinct to be drawn to these types of things? Beware that any type of "fight" or dispute that makes others uncomfortable is likely going to be documented by some onlooker around you. 

I challenge you to think...what is it about us that makes us this way? I am pretty sure it has not always been this way. What do you think? I'd like to know.

Vegas, President Obama, and Silence.

 written by: stacia_doss.

*Cracks knuckles*

Its been a while since I’ve written an entry. I apologize to any followers of this blog who’ve been anticipating a new post, but life has been so busy lately!

I want to talk about…politics.

Remember this ignorant statement made by Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) a while back: “Media protect Obama because he is black, liberal?” For nearly a year, if not more, most of the news reports I’ve seen have been negatively reflected upon President Obama. And no, I’m not just talking about Fox News and other conservative news and radio stations or publications. I am referencing ALL of them.

That baloney statement was made by Rep. Walsh in September.  While negative Obama articles, polls, and general reports continued to hit the web, television, radio, and the steps of Americans across the country, no one seemed to refute his statement. Of course, the evidence was right there in front of you through all of those mediums, but earlier this week, I finally saw actual proof of the opposite in this study released by CBS (and the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism). The title: “Study finds harsh media coverage for Obama.” Well, DUH!?

My mind is open to hearing what all the candidates have to say. So I took the time to watch the bickering and arguing on the Western Republican Presidential Debate that aired Tuesday night on CNN, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. No one seemed to be able to say anything about the future. Each candidate seemed to only be focusing on themselves and each others’ pasts, (especially Mitt Romney and Rick Perry...and Mitt Romney and____well, basically anyone else who was on stage). Except for Herman Cain, of course, defending his 9-9-9 plan, and Michelle Bachmann who seemed to do nothing but continue to go off a long list of how terrible and evil President Obama is. Buffoonery at its best occurred within the time frame that I watched the debate, and to sum it up, CNN’s David Gergen, among others said “The Obama campaign was the winner of tonight’s debate.”

Back to my original topic: the media. It amazes me how easily people are swayed by the media, but I’m starting to realize that Americans aren’t as gullible as television and various publications make them appear to be. Mostly every report I’ve seen (until a recent one aired on CBS) has shown people shouting out how much they dislike the President, he’s bad for this country, and so on…but what about those who are for him? I know they have to exist. Everyone can’t be anti-Obama, but they seem to be keeping their thoughts to themselves and out of the media’s reach. Various emails and pages run by members of the Obama campaign show supporters do exist and in large numbers, but does the media highlight that? No. Never underestimate the power of a silent voter. 

In the words of Confucius, “Silence is the true friend that never betrays.” 

America: A Hateful Country

article by: stacia_doss.
Over the past few weeks and really, since 2008, I have opened my mind to reading the numerous articles about President Barack Obama. I have read a few positive ones (mainly only on liberal newspaper websites and television network websites), but the majority that I have seen (lately) are negative.

To be completely honest, I did not completely desire for him to win the election in 2008, simply because of fear for his safety in the event that he was victorious. Now in 2011, a man with the world practically on his shoulders has been ridiculed and degraded by so many Americans who aren't in his position. It is a miracle that he hasn't broken down, and though internally, he may be emotionally, externally he still exhibits good composure.

With re-election right around the corner, predictions are about 50/50 as to whether or not the American people think President Obama will serve another four years as our country's leader. The Republicans still lack a strong candidate. Flaws and judgements made upon each one of them, (largely by their own voters), whether that be voting for or against a significant bill in the past or a "questionable" religious preference, still makes them considerably weak candidates against him.

However, with the debt ceiling being raised under a plan devised by a Republican, the blame is largely on the president. HE compromised where the other party did not, and fingers are once again being pointed in every direction. But at least five of them are directed at him. Look at these headlines:
"Where Obama went wrong"
"Would Hillary Clinton have been a better president than Obama?"
"GOP candidates slam Obama on US credit downgrade‎"

Just to name a few... Take a minute to read some articles. I won't provide any links. Just look them up for yourself. The comments underneath most articles reveal that most Americans (at least who get their news online) are against the president. But are people underestimating the power of a "silent voter?" One term or two term, no one deserves to be hated and disrespected as much as President Obama has and if getting away from that means proving himself within another four years or letting the chips fall in another's hands, I will be fine with either. 

Presidential Stuff..I really like this.

President Barack Obama embraces First Lady Michelle Obama as they wait to speak at a rally on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, Oct 17, 2010.

(Courtesy of jackandjillpolitics.com and White House photographer Pete Souza)

What were people doing yesterday that was better than voting?

article by:stacia_doss.
Tuesday night’s Midterm elections resulted in the Democrats losing control of the House, but retaining control of the Senate.

With Republican control of the House and Democratic control of the Senate, a long battle is foreseen for President Barack Obama, leading into the election of 2012.

But some think this change in House power could be just what President Obama needs to regain his positive rank.

According to an article on cnn.com, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico (Dem.) said the following about the election before the voting results:

“The divided government result, if it happens, is good for the president, because he now has some potential enemies but he also has some potential partners to get things done where he didn't have them before."

On the other hand, with declining popularity, skepticism about his economic plans, and an “eroding base of support”, signs for 2012 re-election look ominous for President Obama, according to CBS.
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My Take?

I see myself as much less of a skeptic, and more of a believer. I’m hoping and foreseeing that this (Republican power in the House) will have a reverse effect on the President.

I can’t be certain that the Democrats are on the right track for sure, but I can say with certainty that the Republican Party is forgetting that what is passed for the people in the Senate and House is for the benefit of the American people.

It’s not for the benefit of a specific party. I feel as if this midterm election resulted in a sense of satisfaction to have the opportunity to cease what has been done under the current leadership.

The agenda of both parties should be moving forward with the agenda of helping the American party, not battling against and reversing everything President Obama has done thus far. It’s silly and selfish to go in to 2011 thinking the latter, and I hope (for everyone’s sake) it is not their mindset.

Aside from the obvious issues in voters voting anti-Democratic this midterm, CBS found that the numbers that were huge in 2008, were diminished in this election. I think it was simply because of ignorance and voters not understanding the importance of yesterday’s midterm.

I was unable to vote, because I unfortunately missed the cut-off for absentee voting. I even tried to register in my new home state, but it was too late.

Those that I knew who didn’t vote that were registered and in their district were ignorant about what was going on. “What is it for?,” someone asked me. “What’s it about?”. All I could do was attempt to explain the importance of the election to them.

According to that same article mentioned earlier that CBS posted online:

-Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 comprised 18 percent of the electorate in 2008, but only 11 percent of the electorate in 2010.

-Union voters comprised 23 percent of the electorate in 2008, but only 17 percent in 2010.

-African Americans made up 13 percent of the electorate in 2008, but only 10 percent of the electorate in 2010.

Where was everyone yesterday who voted in 2008? If you had no setbacks, and stayed at home, why didn’t you vote?

The Most Racist Campaign in Decades, and What It Demands of Us (re-post)

'Tis the season to be voting. Will you be at the polls? I certainly hope so.

In my web browsing earlier, I came across something posted on a page that I visit from time to time. I deemed it worthy of re-posting.

Check out this important post found on: jackandjillpolitics.com


---->>The Most Racist Campaign in Decades, and What It Demands of Us<<----