Saturday, November 29, 2008

Watching the News

So here is the sequence of events that went through my mind while watching only 5 minutes of news coverage this evening-

First we had coverage of the attacks in Mumbai. I sat staring at the TV wondering how anyone could get to the point where they hate other people enough to form a whole attack like this and target specific types of people. I'm very easy going in relation to how other people live their life. I think I'm good at the live and let live thing. So to see people who blatantly hate Americans, or whatever group, just for being in that group - I struggle to understand. 

Second and third topics on the news were  man shot in a Toys R' Us - who knows potentially over buying a toy?!? WOW - then, Walmart worker trampled in the Black Friday rush. He died; they also trampled a pregnant woman who is going to live. 

Suddenly, I feel like I understand the hate that would lead you to target and kill a group of people. Not that I would be the one going out to kill the Black Friday tramplers, but I can see how if you were in another country and this was the news you receive - Americans are evil people who trample other citizens simply because they want a discounted Baby Alive or digital camera. Honestly, we are such a lucky group of people I can see how we could be despised based on the fickle things that turn into horrible occurrences!

3 comments:

Chelle Ellsworth said...

And that's why I don't watch the news anymore =). I think that the US is portrayed to other countries in a 'we think we're the best' attitude, and yet as an American people we always have something to complain about whether it be healthcare, taxes, road construction etc. I don't think it's just that Americans are ungrateful, but most American's simply don't know what its like to not have running water or electricity or a million of the other things we take for granted. But its hard to relate to circumstances we've never been subjected to!

Alan and Kiersten said...

i heard those stories too and felt the exact same way! it's hard to believe we live in a world where someone is killed because of greed. it's so sad. thanks for posting this carrie, you're awesome.

Jennifer said...

I don't watch the news either. I figure if I just try as hard as I can to be Christlike, I know I'm doing my part for a better America. I second Brigham Young when he said that pride and riches are the downfall of our nation (and our people in the latter days). I sure wish I had less pride and more riches ;)