Thursday 26 June 2014

media or mankind

so, my first blog post officially as an adult! I am not entirely sure that makes a difference to my style of writing or my approach but it sure does make me feel slightly more sophisticated if I am to admit it.

My blog today is going to be something that has crossed my mind numerous times and I felt like I wanted to address the problem and share it with you all. So, my title is 'media or mankind' This is because I am trying to figure out whether or not it's the media that makes people 'ugly' or is it mankind! My reasoning for this question is, the media is often, not always, but often seen in a negative light. It is used to advocate hate, promote irrational perfection and criticise people and things often out of ignorance. It is used as a weapon, a scapegoat, a 'justification' for some of the irrational thoughts and beliefs that people hold. It is used to 'explain' 'abnormal' behaviour and constantly criticised by other forms of media. Does this then make the media 'evil' or 'savage'? Well no, I don't think so, the media can still be used for endless positives such as bringing people together worldwide in support of one aid, encouraging strangers to live life to the full and campaign for justice! It is used to promote hope, life, friendship! It is used to express matter and culture, which is beautiful right? 

So, where is the issue? Well, I personally think that the issue lies with mankind. The people behind those vicious stories, photos, articles! The mind behind the headline that felt it was acceptable to express their 'despise' of someone from another culture or background, or felt it was okay to write an article stating that 'rape isn't really a crime because women always want sex' or other ridiculous things you have and will come across. That's the issue, the people who have made a conscious decision to use their gift of writing, publishing, photography etc in a way that makes people want to question humanity. And yes it is a gift because not everyone has the ability to sway an entire population into believing that '________' is acceptable. 

I know this isn't the case with all media, but the general consensus is that particular types of media are at the heart of many problems that societies face today. And I am not entirely sure that there is a solution. I would love to say that everyone has positive things to share with the world, but that wouldn't be the truth. I guess the point of me writing this blog was to share my view and hopefully you will share yours with me too. And really, next time you encounter media that evokes any thought or feeling, whether that be good or bad, take a moment to acknowledge the mind behind it! 

The media isn't bad, nor will it ever be! It's people that poison it, don't tarnish with the same brush. 

The mind is a beautiful source when it belongs to a beautiful person