Attitude On The Airwaves

As a rule I tend not to listen to radio or TV talk shows of those such as Rush Limbaugh, Ed Schultz or Bill O'Reilly. Around the dial you will find conservative, liberal and a few middle of the road types. Many have shows that bring out opinions of varying intensity which really can be informative for people to consider. Nor would I want to deny people to have or listen to the opinions of their talented hosts.

What I do find on all of them is a certain 'mean' attitude towards others at varying times. I would not call these shows cruel always but I do find that it happens with a certain regularity. In life as you debate or make a point, one can get very passionate about their belief. On these talk shows though, it is about ratings and ultimately the money. I would dare to say that none of the hosts does it strictly for the ability to change public opinion.

The media companies that carry their shows are not in it strictly for public service. It comes back to the ratings and money. So I certainly understand how our public discourse through these shows can become very bi-polar. You see I firmly believe that a vast majority of people live closer to the middle.

So to get beyond a political discussion, which is not my intent to discuss but to talk of how points are made. Many times in the talk, those that are simply trying to get through life the best way they know how are the recipient of a sometimes cruel oratory. Sometimes it is for the ratings and sometimes for driving home a point. Do you find yourself doing the same?

Life is complicated and all of us do the best we can. When you take out your rage on others or use them in a mean fashion, what does that make you? I'm not asking, 'gee, if life were all flowers and candy." What I am saying is that you do not have to take out your rage on others or even belittle others to make your point.

When you find yourself in such a situation, politely and quietly excuse yourself from it. Turn off the radio or change the channel. There will be plenty others left to listen to the noise. Your life is too important to you and moving on is better. Allow yourself not to be stressed out by that level of discussion on a daily basis. Find new ways to engage in the conversation for talking and more importantly listening is how we grow. Adapt to a new way of life, calm the noise and distractions for a better you.