Humanity - a Post Mortem Audit?

"The immersive and inescapable way children and teens are exposed to violence in their "media diet" on social media apps, video games and movies can make them more aggressive and fearful, the American Academy of Pediatrics says in a new policy statement." CBC.CA 

There is no doubt in my mind that a diet of violent entertainment disturbs my equilibrium. Even though I am a senior and have many years experience of living in a reciprocal community, TV dramas make me feel insecure on a vague, semi-conscious level. 

Children and teens have not yet developed their own survival skills and independence, so they are vulnerable to  messages wherever they come from.  

Also there is very little in the media that doesn't "bleed" and there are very few examples of people solving real problems. 

Have we become unconscious of how we internalize the messages that we know intellectually are fiction? The fast moving narrative of violence everywhere? After the music, images and high drama does it make hope of any kind seem naive?

I have just watched a brief interview of a gun toting white man (CBC.ca) who will vote for Donald Trump because he believes the government is corrupt.  He sees his role as protecting the innocent. Has he got his worldview from television where the dots are rarely connected, and facts don't count?  

How will Trump make things better? What would he contribute to society? According to reports, he prides himself on not paying taxes because he feels that government is a waste of money. He has power and influence because his father had good connections, lots of money and was able to influence officials.  He has the key of wealth and celebrity, and that's where (we have been lead to believe) power lies.  

The first and most dangerous violence is the notion we are isolated egos, which means we have no agency within a conscious society and makes us slaves to whatever ideology has the most funding. 

We have elected through cynicism and intellectual laziness to let the chips fall where they may.  We are losing our sanity, our integrity and our civil society. What creature will outlive us if we forget what it means to be human?

After the Wedding

For the last two weeks my environment has been full of celebration, games, talk, food, wine and catching up with family. Listening for the urgent needs of babes and young ones. Endless used cups, plates and utensils covering every available surface. Used tissues discarded in every room. Stacks of dirty washing, leftover food, crowded fridge. Trying to remember all the things we hope to do during the day,realizing by nightfall most did not get done.

Sleeping bodies strewn across passageways, couches and mattresses at night. Stepping cautiously over toys, boxes and feet, during the day.

Now the wedding is over, time to think about what it all means. The deeds are done. The youngest daughter and son-in-law are married.  The cousins have met, brothers and sisters from three continents have reconnected.

So how do I feel now?  Gratitude for the gathering, the good weather, the rain, meeting in-laws, friends, eating and drinking. The image of the beautiful bride, the handsome groom, and attendants - in white, yellow, pink and green. So many beautiful dresses and smiling faces.  The very natural "sanctuary" on the beach, carefully decorated with driftwood.

We are up for this except when I fall down from poor balance due to a bad cold. The cold got in the way of my best self as I slink away to the bed to sleep. Once upon a time a cold was just a cold, but now my immune system just breaks down, and I couldn't find the energy to rise above the symptoms.

The good news is most people had a really good time and I am thankful that everything went off well. I return home a changed person from all I have met and all whom I love. I just hope that my weariness did not spoil anyone's holiday.

Big occasions I can remember but not all the elements. They pass like foggy apparitions I cannot hold onto. My wedding 46 years ago, my son's wedding 13 years ago and my daughter's wedding two weeks ago. I cannot say with confidence that I was 100% available at all times although that was the plan. But I do feel really blessed for all these people in my life. I feel rich, very rich. There is no million dollar lottery that can match the beauty of family and friends who are healthy, capable, gifted and loving.

Thank you all - you may never know just how beautiful you are.