The Unmentionable

This post was difficult to write because it's about something I don't want to talk about ...and yet I'm compelled to do just that.

I'm sure everyone's aware of those occurrences that are crude, vulgar, totally inappropriate, and just in poor taste. So what does everyone do? They all talk bout it, lending credence and validity to that which never should have been dignified with acknowledgment. And yet the collective outrage is such that everyone is compelled to voice his objection, write the editor, call into that talk show, take up picket signs, and the like. All this does is give notoriety to the subject and draw more attention and interest to it than it deserves ...thus defeating the purpose of the protest. In most likelihood, this is the response intended by the perpetrator of the "incident" and to object is simply doing exactly what is expected.

And yet, there is the outrage; you have to cry out ...all the time knowing that the very act is undermining your own objective.

So what does one do? Well in my case, I'm writing this post. No, I won't make any reference to the situation that prompted this tirade, but I'm sure anyone reading this has such a situation in mind.

We as a society have come to rely on a regular diet of this drek, and I feel that despite the growth of many individuals, society as a whole is declining. The sure sign that "you've arrived" is to be featured in the tabloids ...the other side of that sword called fame.

Now, here's the dilemma. I staunchly believe in free speech, and am totally opposed to censorship in any form. The answer is not to squelch these sour voices but to promote some sweeter ones. Problem is, those sweet songs don't sell ...and let us never forget that it is all about commerce.

So, don't read the tabloids, or watch "Jerry Springer", or buy that book, or listen to the vile spewing hate mongers. So much easier said than done. You can't get away from that stuff. I don't read this stuff, or watch those programs, or listen to their rants ...and yet I seemed to be fully aware of what's going on. If you make any attempt to stay current, you do get your fill of this unwanted dross.

The so-called legitimate news sources, in their attempt to retain an audience, have turned into entertainment programs and must compete with the likes of Mr. Springer for market share. So when Ted Koppel resorts to commenting on the latest sensation that has everyone all abuzz, and mixes that tripe in with the reporting of dying soldiers in Iraq, what can you do.