By David Boddy

I know. Tiring isn’t it? Why does keeping up to date with the world have to be so damn depressing? Are things really that bad? Do I even need to be constantly reminded of what’s essentially out of my control? Should I want to have an opinion when touchy politics reaches the table for discussion?

Where I live in the U.K., watching ‘The News’ — notice how we name it as though it's all-encompassing — is rather like having fingers that smell like shit and you can’t stop sniffing them. You know every time that it’s going to be bad, it’ll never make you feel better. But at least you walk away knowing that you need to wash your hands.

Why do we return? Why do I keep sniffing these shitty fingers? 

Truth is, the taste has us return. Good taste, bad taste, whatever taste you have tasted - we can each agree or disagree but it’s only over taste. That’s the trouble… Imagine addressing the nation, catching their attention not once, twice, three times, no - every single night! And all day for that matter… Each time having them return for more. 

That’s a whole lotta taste. And it’s gonna take a whole lotta air time. 

For corporate media, appealing to taste is too divisive. Something of a little more use, something that universally fits the mould, is fear.

Much like a bad smell, fear has us unwillingly returning for more. Not that we want to be scared, that’s exactly why we return - we wish to put our minds at rest. 

Time and time again we return, only wishing to wipe our hands clean. Thus, we become consumers, and the narrative of fear rolls on…

Though there are countless compelling news lines and a near unlimited amount of information to keep ourselves ‘up to date’; it seems that there is always a pattern with what we are fed by the corporate giants that comprise our ‘trusted’ news sources. 

As a magician works their magic, they establish a narrative to the show that they host. All of the fancy sleight of hands, witty chatter, fast-paced tricks and entertaining quips occur as the main mystery unfolds. Accompanied, of course, by a rather distractingly good looking assistant. 

I’m sure you can think of a few ‘main mysteries’ that are unfolding in the media today. I won’t be naming any as I intend to spare you from such repetitive headlines and I trust that you can think for yourself. 

With a select few rolling news lines that come to haunt us day after day, fewer topics are open to discussion, and the idea that someone can be up to date with what’s occurring after a half-hour or hour-long news slot only alludes them further with the idea that they know what is happening in the world... I see big headlines that seem only to change just in time for the next catastrophe. So that this narrative too may have people back for more. 

My concern is that these outdated media tactics induce a background level of fear and a state of urgency amongst their returning audience. Once one becomes dependent on a news source to provide them with regular updates led by the force of habit - control over what they consume can be easily lost. I urge those in such a position to ask themselves:

‘How does the news that I consume make me feel?’

‘What changes in my actions, day to day, based on these feelings?’

‘Does this information have a positive effect over my understanding and wellbeing?’

‘Is it really necessary?’

Just as the magician works behind a narrative, our vision of the world around us can be skewed by such dominating headlines and hollow reporting. Perhaps you and I both share the image of being surrounded by people who understand the world via its headlines — wishing to inquire no further into — or away from — what they are told. After all, there’s only so much time one is willing to give to hearing what’s new(s).

The reason I label such media as ‘outdated’ is because we are living in the greatest ever time period for communication; the spread of information; niche journalism and quality news reporting that this planet has ever seen. Doesn’t it seem a little old fashioned to not be having a say over what we are being fed?

There’s good news out there. That’s not to mean all positive news either. Simply quality reporting, journalism and discussions that cover all manner of tastes. It’s important for most that we know what goes on around the globe, and our sharing of information is one thing that makes the digital era so great — profound I’d say. 

I am certainly NOT saying that we refrain from our engagement with the world that lay beyond the doorstep; across the seas; in offices across the planet and now indeed at our fingertips. In fact, the opposite!

All over the world, people are jumping at the chance to be heard. For the first time, and for many, a voice is being found. One that can travel across continents. One that can reach as far as the furthest stretch of phone signal. We have the world at our fingertips and it’s screaming to be heard!

I believe it’s appropriate for us all to review what, how and from whom we consume our information; to make a say for ourselves and one that is not led by fear, nor driven by profit. 

You are your own journalist. Listen to what your world tells you, allowing each person to do the same. What we consume is for us to decide and our opinion needs only be our own. We are well and truly spoiled for choice when it comes to finding out for ourselves. You don’t even have to get out of your pajamas to read a history essay or the latest study on stem cell production. 

What’s important, what we must navigate for the first time in our human history, is to know where we stand amongst all of this information. To face the possibility that ‘big news’ claims its victims. It’s easy to lose our minds to hearing the hottest updates and fearing what’s around the corner. When really, and as you may have asked yourself earlier: ‘What difference does it make?’

Independent journalists, corporate news, the publication of studies, blogs, forums and direct communication — take your pick. Ideally, use ‘em all! They’re all there for the taking — free of charge — in most cases. Equally, knock it all on the head and lose touch entirely — when it really comes down to it — you won’t be much worse off…

as long as you’re in control. You have the ability to decide. Your knowledge should empower you, motivate you, inspire you…it doesn’t need to scare you. 

The more time you spend away from what other people think you should think, the more time and thoughts you have for yourself. So don’t underestimate the power of your own head-lines! 

As you think for yourself, learn for yourself and empower yourself — don’t hold too much of an opinion for what others think is true — you never know, they may not even want to believe it themselves…

We’ve all seen it; the day after the headlines change, another one comes rolling in and the word is quite literally on, in and all around the street. It’s all you can hear and you either have an opinion or you wish you could forget all about it… See, not everyone attempts to know what they’re talking about — it’s often decided for them.

Above how important our opinion seems, the solid ground for discussion, debate and query is what we must vitally preserve. In a world where we all agree and tune into the same plot — our power as individuals are lost. 

Things can get a little scary no matter what you’re tuned into. So let’s just give each other space to breathe.

David is a lifestyle writer for La Tonique.