When was the last time you walked away from the television happy and positive after watching the news? If you can’t recall a recent time or any time at all while thinking back, you may be shocked. But walking away depressed or stressed should not come as a surprise since the majority of what the news covers is violent, tragic and most of all negative. Television and more specifically the news feeds negativity to our society and promotes all too much fear. They are in complete control of what they air and consciously choose to show negativity because it makes for better ratings. There’s no mystery that the news has a role to play, which is providing the most current and meaningful events that are taking place in today’s society and keeping everyone updated. However, the news and media in general seem to focus in on dangerous and violent things that take place. Making our society appear to be at the point of anarchy.
I remember growing up and never wanting to watch the news. I think back now and realize I didn’t like the news because it was always filled with not only violence and sadness, but hate and fear. Myrna Blyth author of the “ Female fear factor” points out that, “ The media after all, pays the most attention to issues and situations that most frighten the readers and viewers. ”(145). While it is no secret that violence and stories that promote fear receive higher ratings, how far are we willing to go until the picture the news creates becomes a new reality. Some would argue that there are plenty of other television shows to turn to.
However, no show can quite give you what the news gives you. So in other words there is no substitute for the news. Plus what you haven’t heard on the news for yourself you; co-worker, teacher, family member or friend has most likely heard recent news and is quick to fill you in. News seems to surface quickly and spread like a wild fire. So in a way the negativity seemingly finds its way to you. As John Stossel points out in his article on how media coverage exaggerates danger, “ You will be hammered with a host of frightening stories about crimes and terror… It’s the medias job to inform us, but does the amount of coverage reflect the risk we actually face.
”(152). All the negative news builds up fear within our society, and most of the built fear is exaggerated. More likely than not when you get up from watching the news you are going to feel some sort of sadness within you, or leave with a new fear that you had not previously had. The same news reporters could make the viewer feel secure by simply talking about positive things and good deeds. The news promotes to much fear and negativity to the viewer which ultimately can effect society as a whole. Thesis: The news feeds negativity to our society and promotes all too much fear.
