Hey Steemians
This past week has been a bit of a tough one. It seems every time you turn on the TV there is nothing but negativity being shown. From the chaos in the white house to the school shootings that have taken innocent lives, it's getting pretty hard to stay positive.
I've gone from being really mad and asking why this happened to being sad thinking there is nothing we can really do about it. Then I started to wonder has this always been happening and we are just becoming more aware of it, or is there something wrong with our culture that promotes violence in general?
I think it might be a little bit of both...
As much as we rail against politicians they are a reflection of us. They face and deliver reality for us so we can go on about our lives. But it seems that the veil that has been over our eyes for so long is getting lifted slowly and we are seeing the world for what it is. A very hostile place.
The only silver lining I can see are that the young people are fed up and taking action into their own hands. This goes just beyond what they are doing right now in the wake of this mass tragedy. They are rejecting a lot of the old traditions/mindsets that have kept populations enslaved both mentally and physically.
We are finally realizing how the power of a few can make an impact on the many.
▶️ DTube
▶️ IPFS
Every day we wake up can be an extremely frightening one, which is why we must always remember to;
Grit our teeth, and remain Strong 👍✨
Interesting .. wonderful words
Be positive and be good at this time
Such as handle the embers with your hands
be brave
Really good though. I think myself that US is under a mainstream violence campaign. They make you feel scared, then you get depressed and consume to supreme somehow the depression.
Pharma industry, fashion, food with sugar and fat. Is all part of the same vicious cycle. At school is a mixed cocktail of bullying, violent video games an daddy's gun. Not sure how this could be fixed in the mid-term.
Stay positive!
I literally posted on this topic 2 days ago.
https://steemit.com/life/@jvanman/there-is-so-much-good-in-the-world
I honestly believe that one good deed can have so many ripple effects. Like steemit, we can be that glimmer of hope and light to those around us.
On some people, your good deeds have no effect. They are just so selfish and only concerned with themselves, that they never appreciate what you do for them. This , I was saying generally.
In Steemit, I have met so many awesome people who are willing to help you grow, and they do it so selflessly. The world is beautiful because of such people.
True, but it makes you a better person. Some people also put up a wall, and you will never know the effect that you have on them.
Reminds me of the saying be the change that you want to see in the world. It's hard to even start with yourself when there is so much negativity...
I have learned to change what I can, and what you can do nothing about, I try to forget about. I know there is a lot of negativity, but imagine that you were also negative, then there is just one more negative person in the world. Just as negativity is contagious, positivity is too. You are right though, there is a lot of CRAP out there, Every time I think something can't shock me more, I fear something that shocks me even more than that. It is so easy to say to someone, just be positive and forget about your problems. I am not gonna lie, it is just like going to the gym, you need to work really hard, and you can't slack for a week, then expect the results that you want. Living positively is definitely the way to be. Sometimes we just have to turn the news off and focus on what is happening to us in our surroundings.
you cant be more right. everything you have said is so correct and what i love the most that you said is' turn off the news and focus on whats happening at us in our surrounding'....i do that a lot . and am happier for it.
Yes! When we are beacons of positivity, we have a butterfly effect on the world around it. When we smile at a stranger, we may joy see the effect we have, but the smallest deed can snowball in a person’s psyche, often unconsciously, and lead them to a brighter future.
If we let Love guide our actions, we always win!
Thank you for this post. It has been a rough week. I teach school in FL. The events have affected everyone. I had to write about it all yesterday, in an attempt to find closure but I had a hard time finding the words. Thank you for speaking them so well. Blessings
I saw your post about your students walking out. Yes it's been a rough week for a lot of people. I can't even imagine what they have been going through. Even for your and your students being in the same state.
I feel we have so much technology and information travels so fast that it seems that things are worse than before when in reality it has always been this way. With the rise of social media we only see the extremes of life being blasted at us daily. Racism, mass murders, wars, and corruption has been around for 1000s and 1000s of years. It has never changed. All we are doing is putting a magnifying glass on it now.
Yea man the extremes are what get an emotional response. I try not to watch the news but I want to stay informed. It's a catch 22.
I feel you. You have to try and stay informed without them influencing the way you see the world. For example when my dad was watching the ID channel a lot, he would talk about how crazy the world is and how he does not trust anyone. I'm like it's not THAT bad. When he stopped watching it like he used to our conversations changed
Social media is indeed a magnifying glass. We are gratefull for it
I believe social media is good but it's also bad. It's a gift and a curse.
The tv generally doles out bad news. In my country, the political powers that be have taken up comedy as leisure. They entertain us with comic relieves every now and then
The status quo begs for something drastic, a revolution might be in the making.
Looks like it
Hi. A very interesting post (haven't checked the video yet).
I'd like to add my thoughts on your question:
"Then I started to wonder has this always been happening and we are just becoming more aware of it, or is there something wrong with our culture that promotes violence in general?"
I believe that according to 'cause and effect' relation, violence is rising. But that is generally an effect of mainstream media acting as social reality creators. Check the news and just notice what kind of news is being brought to public, again and again. We are being more aware of it because they are creating the social reality by selecting and serving specific types of news. Violence, corruption, poverty,... The mainstream media is promoting all this.
Stop watching TV and start helping the young. They are our only hope, after all. And you'll also be able to stay positive by seeing the effects of your efforts, energy, deeds.
It's an awesome experience, to plant a small seed of good - a tiny tree or a positive thought and watch it grow... ;)
Thanks for your perspective. Your right the news is like a long running TV show and they will sell whatever keeps their ratings high. If people stop watching news then they don't get advertising dollars.
I don't watch much TV but I don't want to be an ostrich and put my head in the sand.
This one about advertising dollars just reminds me so much of a 'doctor's dilemma'. Honesty doesn't pay out. Do doctors actually want to help me get healthy or secure their jobs and salaries? Sorry, but these two are in direct conflict.
And absolutely - don't be an ostrich! We have to take 'the red pill' and check for ourselves 'how deep does the rabbit hole go'. But no TV is going to give us the 'red pill'.
"You are more alone than you imagine. This should not be a source of fear but of freedom. When you prove to yourself that you can get things on your own, then you experience a sense of liberation." - Robert Greene. You can check this awesome motivational video (not mine) that also includes this one and some other Robert Greene's great thoughts.
On one hand we want to avoid the negative, but the other part of me knows that you can't ignore a problem when you want it to be fixed. That is how things stay the same forever..
Yea that is pretty much how I'm feeling right now. It would be so easy for me to just shut it all out but then things won't change.
i too am nauseated with negative news i witness everyday...but it is unavoidable...so instead of be affected by it i try to be mindless about it and i am sad so sad about what is happening
Yea I hear ya... You should spruce up your profile.
thanks how.....i am 65 year old lady and i really want to be a good steemian
So if you go to your profile and the settings you can update it. If you might want to use busy.org as they might let you upload a pic rather than reference it.
This post is so indicative of how I feel almost everyday. I have a mixed bag of emotions. I go from being angry to just inquisitive trying to figure out why any of the stuff is happening and why it continues to happen. Then I try to rest my brain and remember that every single day that we have given to us is another day to try to make it better.
John 14: 1 "Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. "
There is a calm that you can achieve which is in the knowledge of Christ.
Yea I'm usually good at compartmentalizing but 2018 has started off rough in so many ways.
Compartmentalizing is definitely one of my strong characteristics as well, but you are absolutely right 2018 is a straight bitch so far! Everyday I'm questioning humanity and I don't like the way that feels.
Peace brother .. I feel your sincerity. Every new culture will create new challenges. The development of technology alone in the last 50 years is still rearing what seeds it has sown into ourselves, our family and friends etc. Just as every stage in the aging of life bears different ailments, various stages in our global cultures aging bears various ailments. Forever we need to look at where we've been, understand where we are at so we can define where we want to be with crystal clarity.
Dis-ease causes disease, and we are a culture of humans starving for substance with substance on every level. The whole world benefits from healing and bridging the gaps between the actual people in our lives, our family and friends, and then extended outwards to the greater community and strangers alike. When the body has an ailment, we address the cause of the symptoms and promote those things which have stood the test of time in producing positive results. For social progress and change, positive dialogue is often the best place to start. Salute!
Thanks man yes it's gonna be a long process but this to shall pass. Thanks for the comment.
Man, the political discussion on Steemit is SO refreshing compared to other social sites. So much rage there that people don't have the guts to say in person. We have to stay positive to survive. But we also much be active in a way that works for us. I'm looking forward to joining groups moms are organizing to combat gun violence in schools that meet after work; I make monthly donations to Planned Parenthood, and open to anything else. We can make a difference if we are smart about it. Wishing you well, my friend.
Yea I think since most people here are into technology and crypto they already think differently. It doesn't mean there aren't disagreements and even propaganda on this platform but it is usually called out.
Thanks for the comment and keep fighting the good fight.
I agree with you on that one, I barely watch the news anymore, because it only makes me depressed and anxious.
Dang. Hard truth. I think that it is interesting that people always like to point out that politicians lie, and then if you ask them if they've lied, they say "yeah."
Ultimately, only so much is in our own personal control, and that's what we are responsible for. Hang in there man.
Amen to that @alao!
You are right about that soft violence for kids too, even think back to Tom and Jerry. Itchy and Scratchy on the Simpsons was just an amplified version of Tom and Jerry. From very early we are desensitized to violence and taught that it is normal and even funny.
Thanks for checking out my vlog. Yea I've been trying to look inward instead of pointing the finger outward. I can truly only change myself and then lead by example. Pretty much the same thing your doing with homesteading.
Ask @ealbania if she remembers but maybe @world-traveler might remember better being a bit older (sorry) but in 1990 it was the students in "Student City" that help topple the communist regime in Albania. Without their protests fueling the fire, who knows how much longer we would have continued to be a communist country. I honestly don't remember much, I was only 11 but I know that the students made sure their voice was heard and these students are doing the same.
It makes me sad to hear (and read) people say "Oh, I can't help it, things are out of my control, I just have to let it go" There is always something you can do! Even if it's something that to you can sound meaningless such as going out and attending a march, or calling your representative demand change, don't get comfortable in your status quo. Kudos to these kids!! March on!
Stay strong. Power to you.
Love and respect to all.
Less and less and less following of mainstream news for me (and more various alternative news perspectives mixed in).
Trying to breathe deep and be good to my immediate community.
Thanks @alao. Yep, I agree. Times have been tough with all these nonsense shootings. But I just try to focus on the positive stuff like these kids banning together to go to Washington. Really cool !
I hate to be the 'cynic', aka realist in all that's going on. There's nothing new under the sun, just different warfare.
Personally, I stopped watching the evening news after the Vegas massacre that got such poor propagandized coverage. That was the nail in the coffin. Even alt-media gave up on the story after a few weeks of 'nuffin to see here'.
The most recent massacre in Florida just left me once again...smh...because I knew the attention would be distracted from what the real issue is.
Guns are not the problem...directly. They are a tool for hunting, protection. There is an underlying problem attached to each of these mass shooters. Since you watch the theatrics, aka news, I'm sure you know what that is.
As far as the youth taking charge, that's all a show, gun 'haters' love to promote. The trip to DC made me smh. To think they were misled to believe that all of their rhetoric would change anything made me, (no word). I'd like to think it would; but, in the world economy, sadly money is the game changer.
Until, the rules impact the coiffers of Big Gov, I expect nothing will change. This change will most likely start with young people coming of age and voting out people who vote down the laws they want changed.
Perhaps, this will teach the next generation about the power and substance of the vote. A person who votes a straight ticket without scrutinizing each candidate, is destined to repeat the insanity of the past few decades.
Best regards. Feel better...Mute the news...lol...
Peace.
Allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment. While I'm also one to avoid watching the news and have pretty much completely muted it for my own sanity, I have to disagree that money is the only way to change things. The underlying problem is that we have stopped caring, and we also suffer from the worst case of bystander apathy. Sending "thoughts and prayers", signing petitions, and clicking "like" has become our way of feeling like we did something. As long as someone else is carrying the weight, why should we? And as long as it hasn't happened to our family or someone we love, why should we care? What we don't realize is that there is power behind our voices. If we CARED enough, we could make change. And no amount of money could stop a powerful movement that is led by people who deeply believe in the cause for which they're fighting. The media and government has beaten us down to a point where we've lost hope in the possibility of change. That's what they want because it's how they maintain control. It's all psychological, and until we figure that out and actually do something about it we'll be stuck in the same vicious cycle.
Most people in my ‘world’ only want to focus on ‘positivity’. That’s disconcerting on many levels; but, apathy is definitely a problem.
I’m reminded of when I was a kid. My parents didn’t have to say a single word. So, I’m not so sure about that.
Not to make light of such a dire situation; but, nothing will change without people acting on behalf of the dollar. When people stop saying yes to OPIOD Rx for common-everyday anxieties and depression, that’s a start. When they start insisting that natural remedies be legalized, that’s another start.
Of course; but, tell that to 10 people in your circle who currently have their necks craning over the latest palm gadget; and watch the glazed-over look in their eyes…lol…
Now, that’s psychological!
Yes, it’s called the dumbing down of America. “SMART” phones have made people...to put it mildly…not as smart as they should be. FB owns the personal data of far too many people worldwide.
Lastly, after all is said and done, notice all of the talk is directed at gun control; and, not a peep about Big Pharma.
I’m signing off for the day; and, welcome checking in tomorrow for your rebuttal! Great juxtaposition by the way!
Peace.
Well put, and I think we're pretty much on the same page. I definitely agree that money plays a huge role in how our world is run, there is no denying that. The overmedication of this country is absolutely on purpose and goes hand-in-hand with our "smart" phones and social media. Silicon Valley has admitted they've created a monster with social platforms, and even they're not able to control it--they've fallen victim to it themselves! Everything is interconnected: money, medication and social media, but at the base of it all is the most detrimental psychological component: fear. Fear of losing money or not making enough money, fear of missing out, fear of disease, fear of losing our rights, fear of dying, etc. Think about all the issues that plague this country and tell me that fear doesn't play a role in it.
I should have been more specific when I said there's power behind our voices. Speaking up is one thing, but action is another. We can't expect to make an impact if we don't utilize both. We are all capable of incredible movements, but problem is we don't care enough because we're told over and over again that nothing will ever change. If we can overcome it, this world would be a much different place.
Great discussion!
Change is inevitable. What role each person plays, for the good or the evil, will determine the fate of the nation.
It's clear that the aim is destabilization of the peoples, when in essence, we have more that unites us than divides. No matter the rough patches, I believe, ultimately, all will be well.
Peace.
Great discussion. I see where you are coming from. Everyone is getting used at this point to get their point across. I'm going to see how long this will last. We are only like two weeks in at this point
Forgive me for saying this @alao; but, as long as people just talk, no one in 'power' will ever worry.
There are two classes in America...the elites and the poor. Even people who live 'good' lives with decent incomes fall into the latter category should stuff HTF; and, the propped up economy collapses.
I'd like to think crypto is untouchable; but, I've seen exchanges go silent for many.
But, when it's all said and done I believe in a much Higher Power; and, no worries about the goings on in ways unseen. I consider the Vegas Massacre and recent Florida shootings an example of birth pangs.
Best regards!
Peace.
No need to say sorry. I'm in line what what your saying. I don't want to be a politician but I do want to do something.
BTW what is a birth pang?
Getting permission from a school administrator to volunteer a few minutes once a week to read a library book to a group of third-graders might be a start.
I do believe change will evolve from the youth. The seeds of hope we plant in their lives will have strong roots in the future.
If all we feed them is violence in video games, and denigrating of, particularly women, in music, I'm certain we will get more of the same, but on steroids.
birth pangs
synonymous with the travails associated with labor pains
It's a biblical reference to tumultuous events, nearing the end times (destruction) of the world as we know it. (Matthew 24:8).
Best regards!
Peace.
Look I been an independent moderate... but not inactive in politics and certainly not apathetic.
At times I vacillate
to anger 
also.
from depression
But then I remember
a few items:
Thats why we have checks and balances between the 3 branches, and again between the Federal the states, the counties/parishes and local municipalities. Read the Federalist Papers some time and you will see the constitution was mad with warring political and economic views
Everyone except Non Patriots believes in Lfe, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness for all. So if someone thinks their Pursuit of Happiness infringes on someone else's Life and Liberty... thats unconscionable...
So you should feel better and empowered ... because we cheer you on as similar mined people!
So keep up the good fight!
Man this is a pretty intricate comment. It should be a post by itself.
Man, I hate when they say guns are not the problem. Guns are not the cause, but if you take that out of the equation it has to be better. I'm not saying take them away totally but THEY ARE ENTIRELY TOO EASY TO GET. I built my rifle from "spare parts". There's really only like 5 parts to it. If you told me I could save one child by giving up my gun. I WOULD! QUICK! Wtf is wrong with these people. EVERYTHING YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD. Theres absolutely no reason untrained citizens should have assault weapons. Shotguns you can make a case for hunting, but ARs are built for one reason and one reason only TO KILL PEOPLE. SMH tHEN Then they say if it's not guns then knives. Cmon you try to stab 50 people in a club, somebodys gonna knock you the f out. smh
Yea it's a slippery slope. Just like with prohibition if people want it they will find a way. Guns have always been a problem in the inner city I think now it's just been bleeding over.
This young generation that is raising up which am also part of is full of aggressive people who pursue and voice out the visions of the old. I believe all is going to be well
Hi how are you? Really cool post and vlog keep it up man ! I would like to connect with other cool steemians, artists and musicians. I’m posting music tutorials and other things related to music (and bitcoins:p). I’m the founder of the free music school communicasound. I'm really pleased to meet you. So i give you my vote, follow you and i will be happy to read your next posts in the futur. If you want, you can do the same and follow me. It’s important to have a family in Steemit :) Greetings from Paris. Peace.
So I have to be honest. Your comment seemed a little spammy. It's hard to tell a lot of time if there is a genuine human being on the other side. Steemit also has an unwritten rule to not beg for upvotes either.
With that being said I check out your track you composed. It was awesome you even got my daughter bouncing her head. 😀
ho i'm so glad you share my music with your daughter ! :) i'm a very bad spammer, so bad i take the time to answer everyone ^^I'm glad you try to spread the right spirit onS teemit, i really respect that. And i can confirm that i am a genuine human or the best bot ever created (and i would be rich) :) Anyway, i hope your daughter will learn music. Are you a musician yourself? Peace. CS
Yes I am!! I'm known to spit a rhyme or two. Check out my dsound.
I see the media puppets being used by the media to promote an agenda. An agenda that is being exposed daily as the layers of disinformation are thrown away.
These kids tjat are being exploited for their grief are only expressing anger that won't have an impact on changing American gun culture.
i too am nauseated with negative news i witness everyday...but it is unavoidable...so instead of be affected by it i try to be mindless about it and i am sad so sad about what is happening :c
Stay bright bro
Humanity is waking up at last.
Keepin' my fingers crossed. ;)
Super suhlasim
how do you make it so beautiful you are someone who is so sassy
I just know one believes that it is well
A key step to maintaining positivity in our lives is to fill our attention with the same. If we focus on the news, we are giving up our peace of mind to that programming. There’s a reason there’s so much negativity in the news: it’s what keeps people’s attention tuned to the news stations. It’s a deliberately distorted version of reality. Even when things are bad, the news and media will make it seem worse. They play off our fears for their own benefit.
Instead of consuming thus culture, we must create our culture. Shine the inner light for all to see, and let our hearts guide our actions. We are all one: I am another you! When we come together to create a joyful existence full of love, our world will shift with us.
Thank you so much for saying that! If we give love and positive feelings, something is going to change for better.
Media want to keep us in darkness and fear, because it is a way to make us consent with more restrictions of our personal freedom.
It is time to spread the word.
Upvote and follow!
how do they sale assault riffles to a civilian, this world just gone crazy
What is an assault rifle? Is it in the same family aa an assault knife or assault baseball bat?
71.png
thanks :)
sometimes this world is a mad place
nice dude
It's been like that. The whoke world is being controlled by few persons. The young must change how things used to be.
Hmmmm, How few people can be a representation of the entirety of many
Follow back please @alao
Great post man.
iam a vlogger
congratulations!
😂😂😊
You got a 13.04% upvote from @buildawhale courtesy of @alao!
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good friend post
I invite you to see my blog I am new in this beautiful community I hope you like my blog greetings
I was raised an optimist. Believe in people, hard work pays off, things will get better…the usual. As a slightly nerdy and completely gawky teen, life sucked. Classmate cruelty was an unavoidable part of life. Those years were painful. It was mind-boggling how mean, how pessimistic, people could be.
The debate continues about the gun law.
https://steemit.com/usa/@jvanman/school-shootings-on-average-every-70-hours-in-the-us
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stay positive!
Stop watching the news. For all we know those shootings could be hoaxes in order to put us into fear and give up our rights.
Live in the moment of now. Be grateful for every breathe. Listen to the depths of yourself. Peace!
Are you serious right now? I can guarantee you that the shooting was not a hoax. Real people died. Mothers and Fathers buried their babies. But thank God you have your rights!
Sorry, I wasn't there myself so I will never know the truth. What I do see is same crisis actors in all of these shootings. When you start researching what is really happening you can fall into a rabbithole and spend hours, days or even months there.
All I know for sure, everything we see on TV serves a certain agenda. To split and divide us with hate instead of uniting us with love.
Have a great day!
I wish you had been there! Maybe you should try changing the TV channel once instead of watching so much Faux News and pushing their “crisis actors” agenda around. It is shameful, disrespectful and disgusting!
I hope deep in your heart there is some compassion for these kids and what they went through and you’re just in here stiring the pot and antagonizing people for pleasure.
I don't watch any TV. I'm doing my own research. Usually when something like that happens you don't walk around happy or excited. You mourn. For weeks, for months.
What about las vegas shooting? Do you believe the official narrative? Months later we still don't have a video of shooter.
Be critical.
The adults have experimented with fringe ideas that have failed American society. The youth of America need to clarify their vision of the changes that they want, organise and bring about the changes. Time for fresh ideas to take root from youthful optimism and energy for the future that they richly deserve. Out with the old crap!
Yeah you're right , take it easy and whatever you do dont put the telemanipulation machine on man never !! unless you want to become a robot , okay !!!!