This is a story of Richard. To begin with, he is a regular man as what a lot of people love to say, "Hei! I am just human, an ordinary guy. Like everyone else, I am normal." As a result of hearing that, we nod our heads in agreement as if we all fall into the same category of being normal. My question is, what is deemed to be normal and what amounts to novelty? Perhaps it is safe to assume that by doing what everyone else in a community is acting upon means one is normal. And if one does something to the contrary that is not expected, well it becomes a controversy. However, people on the whole have an addiction for the unusual.
Open the newspapers and you find that news, which attract the headlines are totally abnormal. Journalism 101: only report news that are interesting. This means journalists are to write about events that are not everyday happenings. We receive updates on wars, genocide, violence against women, poverty, child abuse, robbery, unexplained phenomena, financial crisis and business growth among others. We don't really get to read about Mr. Richard's daily activities of what he does when he wakes up in the morning until he knocks out at night. In fact we hardly come across write-ups on the peace and beauty of a place unless it is a travel column. This too with the purpose of trying to promote its uniqueness to potential tourists.
If we are to properly observe the way news are reported, our thoughts work on two hypothesis. The first one being, everything that is good, in order, normal, in control, perfect and acceptable based on certain agreed standards whether locally or internationally; they need not be talked about, We are not interested. The next hypothesis is that, we want to know about things that fall out of line, exceed set limits, crazy, unpredictable, a miracle, unacceptable, cruel, oppressive, controversial and just down right immoral. Turn on the tv and you see these cravings blazing and flickering in motion.
We want to know about how people are persecuted in wars because peace is assumed, liberty and freedom are inborn rights. This is what democracy granted to mankind and we enjoy it. And once our rights are transgressed, this is worth writing about and a precious topic to highlight to the world because what is initially mine is taken away. A different cause of event has happened and the rest should know about it.
Now, let's say that Mr. Richard does something weird. It is "weird" because it is a thing the entire country he lives in would not have done. Trust me that reporters will take the first flight out to get to the location to cover this "hot" news. Because this news will sell better than ipods and PSP combine! And this is because readers have a dire need for refreshing and inviting situations, other than what they experience daily. I wouldn't deny that we have noble intentions to find out about certain social issues and the devastations that befall other nations. There are readers who are appalled by news reporting on death and affliction of pain on a living being.
I am merely making a suggestion and I am not playing judge to either the press or the readers. I am inviting you to be aware of the way we think, especially of our fixed ideas on what is right and wrong. There is no need to blame others or most importantly oneself for any misfortunes. Just something to ponder upon. Is there a need to feel blessed and thankful for the pleasure and richness that nurture one's life? I think, there is no need if it comes from the point of view that one is better than some other poor people. Maybe this is only another type of oppression. Perhaps we are only thankful that everything else existed since eons ago and the very beginning for us to be who we are. You are who you are now because everything is the way it is. Then, feel blessed.
What is the story of Richard?
