Weekends seem to be flying by at lightning speed lately. Two days really isn't enough time to wind down and relax. I did manage to get some me time on Friday with an evening CrossFit class followed by dinner and wine at a friend's house. Saturday was gorgeous and sunny and we spent a good deal of it outside. Lee experienced his first baby playgroup and now he knows where I learned all those wacky songs that I sing to Alice. And Sunday was spent having brunch with friends we hadn't seen in ages.
But there was a sadness I couldn't shake. A knot in my stomach I couldn't untie. News snippets. Radio stories. Talk amongst parents in baby group. All about that terrible tragedy that occurred on Friday. So unimaginable. So horrific.
There is an interesting article by film critic Roger Ebert about how there is this perception that violent movies play a key part in such tragedies. He disagrees. And I happen to agree with him. Rather than reiterate what he says, read the article and let me know you think.
Such an interesting take! Andrew has been saying this for years... that he wonders what would happen if the media completely ignored the shooter and only focused on the victims. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Thanks for linking that article.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article, but I'm not sure I agree entirely. I do think our media covers all stories way too thoroughly, particularly post OJ Simpson which gave us so many channels devoted solely to news 'entertainment'. It's too much and it doesn't help, but I also think some news coverage is necessary and can precipitate change in the wake of some of these horrific tragedies.
ReplyDeleteSomeone who is mentally ill might take inspiration from a movie that glamorizes violence or from a new story that does the same, a great work of literature, or just from the wild fantasies of his own warped mind. I think it's difficult to remove these potential triggers because there really isn't clear cause and effect. For me, we need much more in terms of operative strategies to treat the mentally ill and prevent them from easily and legally getting hold of weapons. If this news story can move the needle on those issues then I think that's something.
Sorry, lots of thoughts here! It's such a deeply tragic thing and I've been oscillating between anger, confusion, and pure grief.
I agree... it is just a theory. I do think our 24-hour "news" is too much and a lot of their over-the-top coverage boils down to ratings, unfortunately. I imagine it is difficult for those families to grieve when that horrific story is played over and over with every detail picked apart.
DeleteAnd this country is so attached to its guns' and our politicians are so entwined in campaign funding from pro-gun supporters... you'd think something so tragic would shake their core... but I'm doubtful.
Yes, I've been in a slump too after I heard the new story of the shootings. It is terrible. I had to turn off the TV. Didn't turn it back on till this AM and started to cry again when I heard more details.
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious, but I say a pray that IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. I miss you "3". Love you tons. xoxo
Oops. I quess I need to proof my words before I publish. It should say; I said a prayer... xo
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