Olympics: a breath of media fresh air

Getting caught up in the Olympics is easy to do. The thrill of victory. The heartbreak of defeat. And the rush of seeing our country do well. After all, it is a patriotic affair. And who doesn't get in touch with their humanity when the inspirational stories are told? The first double amputee running in the regular Olympics (from South Africa). A young American who made it on the track team after having both legs blasted with buckshot. Numerous athletes from various countries competing after having operations or losing loved ones. Each of these inspirational stories, with very few exceptions over the years, can have a positive affect on us if we take them to heart. They are lessons to learn, lessons to pass on, or simply a positive uplifting tale that allows us to relish the good in humanity for awhile.

from MadHatter 17

from Deviant Art Website



Dwelling on the positive in humanity is far better than filling our minds with all the negative stories you hear daily on the news. In fact, when a scandal pops up during the Olympics, for the most part, they try to play it down: which is the exact opposite at any other time.

I am not saying that the negatives during the Olympics are not reported, of course they are, but it does not over-shadow the rest of the games, achievements, and stories like it does when the Olympics are not going (with a few exceptions).

from Pazzles.net



It would be great if all forms of the media would play down the negative stories in favor of positive, inspirational, and uplifting topics. After all, if you take the spotlight (or celebrity status) and other benefits away from all negative behavior we would see a decline in such behavior. Unfortunately, the media in this country (and all others) loves to reward bad behavior with celebrity status: the more inhumane the behavior the more media coverage it receives.

Nearly every textbook relating to human psychology touches on the simple truth that if bad behavior is continually reinforced or rewarded the behavior will continue, and often increase. In other words, it is no surprise that as our laws become more liberal and progressive -- following a more liberal and progressive society that does not want to insult anyone, including criminals, and giving their abnormal behavior more tolerant and clinical names -- we will continue to see the "progressive" decline of this once great nation.

Remember the adage "we are only as strong as our weakest link." As long as more and more people in this country accept negative human behavior -- whether as a participant or tolerating it through inactivity -- more links in the American chain will weaken and be ready to crumble when eventually put to the test.

from communities.washingtontimes.com



So I hope you enjoyed these Olympics. It was the rare breath of fresh air when positive stories out number negative in media coverage. And if your smart you will learn the lesson that positives can teach. Sadly, the media never seem to grab hold of that fact... except during the Olympics.