From our point of view

I was just watching a few minutes of a political “talk” show. As the host and guests did verbal battle, their voices grew louder and louder as they tried to be heard over their opponent. The lines were drawn. None of them had any interest in hearing the others’ views until it became a jumble of voices that sounded like a pack of barking dogs. There was certainly no chance that any of them were going to influence the others to rethink their stance. I turned the channel in search of something more intelligent. Deal or no deal?

I realize that the behavior exhibited is for ratings. I imagine that when cameras are off, they pat each other on the back and head to the nearest pub for a beer. It’s good TV!

For me, this is just further evidence that culture is built on bad behavior. Villains vs. Heroes? Good luck telling them apart without the appropriate banners. The days of the Cleavers are long gone. They have been replaced by new families who throw sarcastic barbs at one another to gain a laugh.

My concern is not how people spend their leisure time. My concern is that so often life imitates art (I use that work advisably). Research has shown that when people play video games that depict violence that they themselves become more aggressive. I don’t know if that is true, but I think it is safe to say that when we as a society begin to accept rudeness and cynicism as acceptable everyday behavior, it is time to step back and re-evaluate our priorities.

Our lives are complicated and we have so much being thrown at us from all directions that it can sometimes feel as though we are at risk of drowning under the weight of it all. Perhaps the rudeness in our entertainment is a reflection of what we would like to be able to say and do ourselves. If we cannot act out our frustrations, then maybe watching a comic on stage expressing his opinions expletives not deleted, or the political pundits practically coming to blows in defense of their point of view (how many times do you wish you could say some of the stuff they do to your family and friends?) is the next best thing.

I heard someone say recently, “If you want to know someone’s character, watch how he behaves behind the wheel of a car.” This is a true measure of our tolerance for one another. One study found that nearly half of those surveyed experienced road rage on a daily basis. Now I must admit that I have been guilty of some less than kind behaviors while driving. I found, however, that no matter how angry I got at the other driver, all it did was raise my blood pressure and the other guy went merrily on his way most likely oblivious to my fury. It didn’t solve a thing. It didn’t even make me feel better. It is as one of my favorite quotes from actor/writer Malachy McCourt says, “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

So, what is the answer? Perhaps it can be found in the simple, ancient words of the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Did you know that some form of this sentiment is found in every major religion? The Dalai Lama said, "Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal." This should give us a pretty clear clue of what we need to do.

“Imagine all the people living life in peace...You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one.” I don’t believe that John Lennon was just talking about wars between countries. Rather I think he was talking about the strife that we bring to our everyday lives.

So, imagine if you will that we replaced anger with forgiveness, rudeness with concern, and apathy with empathy. What could we accomplish then?

These are just my thoughts. Please tell me yours.