One thing I have realized I will
never understand is why people prefer negatively drawn attention over
positively drawn. For instance I would rather be recognized for holding an
elevator for someone else rather than get yelled at because I let it shut when
someone was obviously in need of it as well. I'd also prefer to be recognized
for being healthy and fit in comparison to gaining sympathy, or worse, pity
over a disease that could kill me. But in today's world there are tons of
people who would prefer to watch a soap opera, Maury, and the guy that used to
be Jerry Springer's bodyguard. People love the attention they get for all the
negative things in their life. I couldn't imagine choosing to have my child's
DNA test results read on national T.V. rather than doing it in private where no
one will be embarrassed at the fact that neither "parent" knows who
the father is. All because both of the parents were too promiscuous to have
only one partner at a time.
It's tragic that television has gone
this way, we love watching horrible drama. I'm guilty of this as well, I'll
watch hours of Law and Order S.V.U. on T.V. during the day. Episode after
episode of negative horrible drama, yeah it's nice when the bad guy gets it in
the end. But he doesn't always, and when he does is it really worth 45 minutes
of horrifying, graphic, negative drama for 30 seconds of good feeling when they
catch the guy and send him to jail? I don't think it is anymore, I mean I don't
really gain anything from that. But it's hard to find positive shows on T.V.
anymore. Everything's either reality competitions where they tell 9 people
they're not good enough and one GOOD JOB. Or worse they pin people against each
other and make them fight, stab friends in the back, and teach the world you
can't trust anyone because they're all greedy and in it for themselves.
But it hasn't always been this way,
when I was growing up we had T.V. shows like Boy Meets World, 7th Heaven,
Touched by an Angel, Highway to Heaven, and Gilmore Girls. Shows that
encouraged people to believe in themselves, chase their dreams, settle for
nothing less than the best, embrace and take pleasure in your family, and that
as long as you keep your head up but never GIVE up, you'll succeed. Also if you
do fail it's not the end of the world, it's a lesson learned, and a chance to
do better next time. But these shows aren't on anymore, instead for kids we
have Pretty Little Liars, and adults have Scandal.
Then there's Reality T.V. which I
have troubles finding anything good to say about. Shows that promote more drama
or just poor behavior like Honey Booboo. Which I've luckily never watched, but
it seems like it promotes obesity, vanity, and trashy behavior. Then you have
these duck guys, another show I've never watched. Though my understanding is they
all looked like normal clean cut business men until they got this show. Then
they decided being “redneck” like, sounding uneducated and looking dirty would
get more viewers than just being normal business men who like to have fun.
Honestly I think I would prefer to watch a bunch of clean cut guys do what they
do rather than a bunch of guys who fit the part. But I haven't given up hope,
although I make it seem like there isn't any, there are good shows out there.
Like Undercover Boss, although let’s face it, our favorite episodes are when
things are so bad the Boss has to reveal himself and set everyone
straight.
But there are good shows. There are
comedies like The Crazy Ones and The Michael J. Fox show. These shows deal with
funny, but semi practical family settings and they keep everything together
well. It's not constant arguing . . . well except between children at times,
but let’s face it THAT'S reality. The shows also teach important life lessons
while being funny and entertaining. They re-enforce positive attitudes, doing
the right thing, being honest and helping each other.
But my whole point is, it's been
proven time and time again that you can do good, even GREAT, positive things,
help other people, and still be recognized and popular. In fact chances are
you'll be more popular by doing positive than negative. Just look at Martin
Luther King Jr. in comparison to Malcolm X. They both fought the same battle,
and suffered the same fate. Yet one has a day named after him and is recognized
in schools all over the world for his non-violent opposition to segregation and
support for civil rights. The other I didn't even know existed until Jr. High.
Both great men, both were fighting the same battle, just in different ways. But
the one we really remember is the one who spoke of peaceful protest, equality,
and following your DREAMS. Nobel dreams of peace and equality for ALL mankind,
for everyone to get along together.
Positivity IS embraced all around
the world, people LOVE a HAPPY ending. So enjoy the appreciation you get for
holding a door open for a stranger, and if the first one doesn't show it, wait
till one does. I promise it's worth it, and it won’t take much time. Pay
attention to your surroundings and appreciate the beauty. Look for smiles,
kisses and happiness, you'll find it. Make people smile, laugh at your flaws
and embrace your mistakes. I promise, if you are upset, these things will make
you happy, they will make you smile, especially when you make someone else
smile. There's no warmer feeling than giving someone else the gift of
happiness, no matter how temporary. So today, go out and just make 1 person, a
stranger smile. Walk up to someone and tell them you like their dress, shoes,
or coat, whatever. If they don't appreciate it, so what, you'll likely never
see them again, and you can laugh about it later with friend . . . but keep
trying till you make someone smile. Because then I promise, if they see you
again, they'll remember, you might be the talk of their day, and you'll feel
great. Hey you might even make a new friend. So be positive, help people, be
nice, and live HAPPY.
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