I haven't seen the movie "Avatar" yet. The weather's been lousy and honestly, hubby and I prefer matinees and our schedules haven't been lining up. I have noticed how much everyone else has liked it though and it seems like some people are having a hard time these days because they don't live on the planet where "Avatar" takes place (I apologize for not being able to recall the name). Excuse me?
There seem to be some people who are getting depressed because of this. Depression is horrible and I'm not trying to make light of the situation. I'm trying to understand. The only explanation I can think of is that people feel helpless to change the world they live in now. And come to think of it, how many times have you heard someone utter "Why bother? What can we do?" As if "we" are comprised of people without any power.
I have to admit that it's not hard to feel powerless when you see the pictures of the devastation that's befallen Haiti, the current political unrest everywhere, reports about the employment situation, health care; the list goes on. And if I watched it on a continuous 15 minute loop, all day long I might get to the point where I'd like to pack my bags and go live on another planet.
Does anyone remember when you had a half hour of local news and an hour of national news every night? When they actually reported the news and you didn't have to sit through a media commercial given by a talking head or a political pundit with an agenda? And it didn't last all day. And all night.
This is not the first time in history the world has been a mess. It's always been a mess in one way or another. An overwhelming mess. But we haven't always been privy to it 24/7. What's the solution?
The easiest one for me is to watch enough news to find out what's going on, turn off the television and do at least one positive thing to bring the world into balance. That could be anything from separating my recycling to donating my time or money to something I think will make a difference. Sounds simple but I swear I feel a little less overwhelmed when I do something positive.
What about you?
3 comments:
Avatar is a fascinating phenomena... I haven't seen it either... where I live there's no way to get to the movies that easily.
I have heard several discussions around Avatar and what is going on for folks who have seen it.
One, because of the 3-D effect people become so immersed in this paradise world, they simply don't want to leave. And who can blame them? Given the current state of the world.
Also, I heard an expert on subliminal messaging, who had studied the film. It's absolutely loaded with every subliminal messaging technique out there. So, that could be a factor.
Yep, I'm one of those who remembers the nightly news, a half hour of each. And, right now, I'm counting my blessings that I can't get a TV signal here. IMO, Haiti has become a horror peep show that serves no one but Big Media and those controlling it.
Personally, I would do anything I can, and do, to help the Haitians, themselves... but, honestly, their horrendous plight is simply being exploited by most, including those who want the deep water ports and now have access to them.
Like you say, give to others how you can and live your life the best you can. That will ultimately make the difference.
I want to see Avatar but by the time I get around to it, the movie will be on DVD.
Haiti is another subject altogether. My heart goes out to the survivors. They've made it out of this catastrophe with their lives but the dark memories will forever taint the rest of their days. They'll have a lot to overcome and my prayers are with them.
Destiny
Hey Paris,
Great blog! Overwhelmed indeed, with all the horrors we are confronted with these days, it's no surprise so many want to live in a different world... The world of my choice, a book! ;)
I love your idea of doing things to bring the world into balance. WTG! I try hard to live my life with the idea of Random Acts of Kindness... A smile goes a long way. Hold the door open for someone. Pay a compliment to the next person you meet. Do something unexpected. The way I see it, there is so much bad in the world that I can't fix or change, but if I can sneak in bits of goodness, maybe it will help, even just a little bit. :)
I've not see Avatar either and to be honest, I'm not sure I want too. The special effects look incredible, but the previews have failed to entice me.
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