Friday 7 August 2020

Should we listen? Should we care?

Half of me feels quite ashamed to write this,  but the other half recognises that I can't do anything so that all it does is it makes me feel totally inadequate.  I watched half an hour of the Breakfast programme on BBC this morning over my breakfast.   In the course that half hour I saw:

1.  The terrible loss of life and devastation in Beirut.

2.  The new lock downs here, there and everywhere just underlining

     the fact that people are not following the rules.

3.  People crossing the Channel in flimsy inflatable boats,

     trying desperately to get across to the  UK. 

4.  A forecast for the next year's economic growth (or lack of it)

    and the possible unemployment figures.

   

I am in my late eighties, I am aware of all these things, but I can do

 absolutely nothing about any of them.  Do I keep torturing myself every morning watching and despairing or do I stop watching - in other words do I say 'Stop the World I want to get off?'

 

Changing the subject completely (I cannot worry about the above all

day) my new computer has just come but because my son has only just returned from a car service he has decided to leave it until tomorrow.

35 comments:

Hard up Hester said...

I find I get very stressed when I listen to the news. I made a conscious decision not to listen as, like you I can do nothing to help.

Derek Faulkner said...

I watch the news and pretty much let most of it go over my head, if it affects you greatly then don't watch it, is the honest answer.
Events in Lebanon are nothing to do with us and will hopefully stay that way, we have enough problems of our own, like hundreds of bloody immigrants pouring across the Channel every day and landing on beaches not far from me, many potentially carrying Covid-19 with them.
And also the moron 20-40 age group that have to pack pubs, etc and mess up the end of lock down for many of us.
On another note, I've just cycled along our local seafront where the beach was very busy but properly spaced and loads of people were in swimming and it's currently 34 degrees and climbing.

Traveller said...

You are right Weave, people not following the rules. Some think they know better and will just apply their common sense. I work on the principle that the doctors and professionals who have access to the data probably know better than I do. Mask wearing is to protect others not you. I get frustrated when people, without training in a particular subject, think they know better than the experts.

I did what I could for Beirut and donated money. As you say, the damage is terrible. The country is bankrupt, people don’t have the money to rebuild. So much has to be imported and paid for in hard currency, something which in very short supply. The cousin of my best friend is lucky to be alive. He was sitting on a sofa, got blown off the sofa and then a window frame flew through the air to where he had been sitting. The photos from his apartment are awful. All the windows are out, glass everywhere and the ceiling has come down...but he is safe.

I hope you soon make friends with your new computer.

Marcia LaRue said...

I find it easier to deal with if you get a morning update ... go do something else ... do a periodic update in the afternoon and try to find something else to do or watch in the evening!
Of course, we have Trump over here and most of us can only stand him and his lies for very short times.
The OFF button is our friend!!! LOL

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Try a balance of heavy on uplifting, and low on upsetting news. It works for me.

Here in America, starting years before a presidential election, I feel the public is emotionally abused by the excessive political news. It is frustrating that nothing is done about it, restrictions, for example, how soon a person can declare they are running for office, and limits on spending. People out of work, going hungry, losing their homes...and in the news is about what candidate raises the most money! Spending millions of advertising! Less upsetting news reading is healthy.

Rachel Phillips said...

Not listening doesn't mean not caring, Weave. If you don't want it on at Breakfast time then don't turn it on. It will soon become a habit.

Terra said...

I am a senior citizen and find the news to weigh heavily on me, as you are finding. I do what I can by giving to charity and political groups, and my church feeds hungry people, etc. I don't watch TV news, it is too graphic and disturbing; print and online are how I stay informed. Stay well my friend, you live in a beautiful area which is very healing to the soul.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

A significant number of those ignoring the rules about Coronavirus are not aware of what the rules are, let alone what the results of their ignoring them might be. If they absorb any news at all then it's via social media and often misleading. So I suppose we have a duty to at least listen enough to keep ourselves informed. As for the other news stories we can do little apart from perhaps donate to a charity. But most of all we can try to keep a positive attitude and cheer up those around us. Anyway - Monty Don's on tonight!

the veg artist said...

Personally, I would hate to be fed endless bad news along with my breakfast! I have Radio 3 on in the kitchen, very quietly, so I start the day in relative peace.
I don't agree with ignoring what's going on totally, but, rather, managing when and how it gets to you. As you say, there is very little that most of us can do about it, other than send financial support where we can. You've told us before that you read a newspaper cover to cover - well, that plus breakfast TV and what you see on the internet and later TV news sounds a bit like overload, to me, anyway.
You need enough to be aware, but not so much that you are overwhelmed. My opinion only!!

Sarah Dee said...

I listen to enough to be informed, I prefer Radio to Television, which I rarely watch. Living as I do in a small village I shop online and use the village shop, no eating out or beach visits, just a stroll around the footpaths locally so unaware of how conurbations are working. Apart from donating to various charities there is little that older people can offer really, just don’t infect someone else.

The Weaver of Grass said...

The trouble with giving to charities in places like Beirut you have little chance of knowing that the money gets to the right place/ Other than that - thanks for the advice - it helps to know that others feel the same.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I've done a bit more research and found that the crop I showed on my blog is Fodder Radish and it is grown on organic farms as it helps control weeds and pests. Later it is cut and ploughed in, improving soil structure. It also provides cover and food for wild birds.

Traveller said...

I have a connection to someone who is Beirut so am confident the money is going to the right place. Without such a connection I would feel as you do.

Joan (Devon) said...

Perhaps I have an inbuilt defence mechanism to let it all wash over me and maybe it's selfish of me, but at times like this I am glad I am the age I am (72). However I am concerned about my daughter, her partner and my grand-daughters and wonder what kind of a future they have waiting for them. One things for sure, it won't be the same carefree childhood I had.

Debbie said...

I'm with the Veg Artist in this one - Radio 3 is a good way to start the day. What I like is that their news bulletins are direct, informative, brief and non-hysterical i.e. delivered calmly and matter-of-factly. It is distinctly non-threatening.

As to how you are left feeling - please be aware that this is how the TV wants you to feel. They are "viewer number" driven - that's their performance indicator - so if they can make you feel involved by the use of harrowing films and interviews (it triggers various chemical and psychological reactions in viewers and is designed to do so) so much the better because you will tune in to see how that crisis is progressing....... and then they have you hooked.

By all means bear witness to the things that are going on but not at the expense of your peace of mind.

In my book the best story of the week so far was that little lad who was swept out to sea at Scarborough and rescued after following advice he's seen on the telly- very life affirming.



Sue in Suffolk said...

Somehow I seem to let it wash over me. I must not worry about things I can do nothing about or I'd sink into a black hole

Jenny said...

Stop watching. Seriously. I'm in my 50's & I have not watched the news for at least a decade. I still find out what I need to know. I cannot carry the world....I have enough to deal with in my own day-to-day life.

If you step away for a few months then go back & watch it....it is embarrassing. seriously embarrassing how they share news. When we watch it every day we become immune to the craziness of it. If I watch it now I feel humiliated for the journalists.

Tom Stephenson said...

It's a shame we cannot revert to newspapers and wait for two weeks before hearing about a disaster, but the genii is out of the bottle and Mafeking was relieved some time ago. I listen to 4 Extra if I don't want news. 1940s, 50s, 60s etc. Very refreshing.

Heather said...

I think a lot of our news is sensationalised by journalists and that we should stop watching the news and concentrate on getting on with our own lives. Yes, there are dreadful situations for so many people to cope with but we are powerless to help, and they will gain no benefit from us losing sleep over it. We can only do our best not to make things worse, by donating to charities, recycling and other activities to protect the planet, trying to live a 'greener' life, and caring for our own community.

Tracy said...

I like keeping up with the news, but find watching it on tv too stressful. I much prefer to read it on good old teletext. No harrowing pictures. No over-emoting newsreaders. No pointless interviews with members of the public. Just the facts, which is all I need.

Virginia said...

If it’s upsetting you, for goodness sake don’t watch it. The major networks churn out alarmist drivel to keep people hooked in. I found when I started getting upset by it that watching only one feed a day, and that on mute much of the time, and also skimming the Guardian was much better for me mental health. And the moment Trump’s name is mentioned, OFF it goes!

Because we now can, we hear about the problems of the world, whereas a generation ago, we could only respond to local needs. That would be a good way to go.

Joanne Noragon said...

I don't subscribe to television any more. Solved my problem of what to watch for breakfast.

Granny Sue said...

I feel the same. We no longer have TV, but listen to the radio which is probably just as upsetting. I do not like feeling helpless, but that's how I often feel these days. All I can concentrate on is taking care of myself and my husband, and trying to keep up with family. Yet another thing that is making me feel helpless is a good friend who is dying of cancer. It's so hard knowing there's nothing I can do to help her.

So I cook, and clean, and garden, pet the dogs and the cat, and try to remember the good there is in this small world of mine--and try to shut out all the horror and fear. Flowers help make me smile every day.

Cro Magnon said...

The reason why I live in France is because not only is it a very pleasant country, but it is also very tolerant of immigrants; other than where they gather en masse, and cause trouble, but that is the same the world over. I can't understand why so many risk their lives trying to cross the chanel, when they could stay here.

thelma said...

Radio 3 or Classic when you feel overwhelmed by things you cannot alter. It is not your fault that such terrible things happen. Feel for the suffering, remember the newscasters are making a living and get on with your life.

Meanqueen said...

I skim over a few headlines, it takes about one minute, then move on. I don't need to absorb all life's tragedies. Why is there so little or hardly any good news about?

Ms. said...

Yesterday, overwhelmed with the woes of our wounded world and sick to death of posturing politicians (the good-the bad and the ugly), I separated from the news I am addicted to (PBS and BBC), combed my hair and donned the damn mask (gloves in pocket) for a walk to the farmers market at Union Square (Manhattan)-the gloomy grey morning clouds were swept away by a warm breeze revealing blue sky. Everything was blooming and all the farmers looked healthy, there was just enough social distancing and the offerings were luscious from bread to beast to harvest vegetables galore and the last cherries too. Hours later I napped at home and dreamed of freedom and friendship.

Good luck tomorrow with your new laptop 'assistant'
Michelle (77)

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susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I do watch the news every day. How sad for the people who are affected by
the terrible explosion in Beirut. I'm in the USA, and for me, it is more worrisome to not have any information about what is going on in the world, (as my son is in the military, and disturbances in other parts of the world may affect him). I also want up-to-date information about what is happening in my country, and in my community. It's important to stay informed about the levels of Covid 19 virus in my area, and the areas where other family members live. I also want to know, if there are any social disturbances in my city, and which school districts are going to attempt to have classes in the schools. It's also useful to watch for recalls of foods and products. I listen to our President's briefings, and often can't believe what I am hearing, for example Thailand pronounced as Thigh-land, other times I don't want to believe what I am hearing, but I do listen to him.

Sometimes listening to the news can leave me worried, but I prefer to go into things, pleasant or unpleasant, with my eyes open. Sometimes I do have to cut down a bit on watching the news,but I still watch it at least once a day, even if it starts to get on my nerves. It is relaxing for me to listen to music on You tube, where one good old song leads me to remember another and then anther. I'm absolutely not ready to stop the world and get off, but I sure wish there was a way I could stop the world and force many of our politicians to get off.

Poppy Q said...

I record the news each night and fast forward a lot of it. 10 minutes if boring nz politics - skip, 20+ minutes if mind numbing sports - skip. So I only usually watch 10 minutes of it as I eat my dinner, then I watch a show of my choosing. That way I dont allow it to dominate my evening.

Ursula said...

I never watch the news or listen to them on the radio. I READ the news. Saves an awful lot of time and doesn't expose me to politicians' extended and going on forever hot air. Doesn't make what's going on in the world go away. It's there. Whether we, personally, take note of it or not.

You ask an interesting question, Weaver. It appears that there comes a time in life when whatever happens doesn't make any difference any longer. I learnt this the hard way. My mother is your age, my father is four years younger. I recently raised a question (to do with family) and was told, in no uncertain terms and not for the first time, that anything "negative" will not be tolerated (because of their age). Either I'll accept that or there will be no further contact. No further contact it is as I am sick of being dictated to. Having said that, I do feel for my parents. Their end is looming, may it be tomorrow or, more likely, in twenty years' time. Yet can't help feeling they are leaving their children (or at least me) at a loose end. Hope I'll never do that to my son.

As you say, there is little you can do, any of us can do - short of climbing the barricades (I'd give you a leg up). I'd say, take note of what happens, Weaver, not in detail just the general gist. Alongside smell the roses and even more roses.

As before, wishing you all the best, you are a star,
U

George said...

I've been distracted from blogging for about a month, and just returned. This posting is the first I've read in several weeks, and given your concerns, it seems to me that you might find the Galway Kinnell poem I just posted on my blog to be interesting and perhaps helpful. The title of that posting is "A Time to Wait and Trust the Hours." In a nutshell, Kinnell tells us not to give up on things when the world if falling apart, as it seems to be now, but, instead, to patiently wait and trust the hours to bring the healing that is sorely needed.

The Feminine Energy said...

Yes, I feel exactly the way you do about the news & the state of affairs in our world today. There's nothing I can do about it but I continue to read about it & make myself depressed. Why oh WHY do I DO that?!! You're in your "late 80s" and getting a new computer. Well, doggone, GOOD FOR YOU!! You are amazing!! I'm 64yo (today, as a matter of fact) and swear that once this old computer of mine kicks the bucket, there will be no more. But then I think "What will I do without all my blogging friends, as they're the only friends I have to talk to?" I'm not so sure my brain could even know how to operate a new computer. Let us know how you get along with your new one, once it's up & running, ok? Love, Andrea xoxo

Susan said...

The news worldwide is quite sad and depressing, often disappointing. I follow the news enough to be able to intelligently vote at election time. Leadership is important and voting is key. Your new computer will be fabulous. I like to think computers are improving all the time and newer models are more intuitive and easy to use. Can you provide some feedback on your new machine?

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