Emphasizing the positive seems to have been replaced by a steady diet of negative news. Some may claim that the negative news sells just as negative ads. Others defend that it is the public's right to know the facts regardless whether it is good or bad in order to make informed civic and personal decisions. The learned in the field of social sciences may retort that a never-ending barrage of negative news frequently accompanied with graphic depictions can have unwanted psychological and sociological ramifications. ×Ö´®5

The over reliance on reporting and coverage of violent events especially by the televised media may spawn other violent behavior by those whose thinking becomes distorted. In a pervasive sense, such coverage may color one's worldview to the point of despondency or apathy. Obviously, to extrapolate from a few cases of bad people shown on the news and then to conclude all people are bad and cannot be trusted can be faulty logic and dangerous. ×Ö´®1

The constant displaying of conflict between belligerent individuals or groups can takes it toll on the avid television viewer. However, this does not stop with the reporting of actual daily news, but also extends into the realm of entertainment and sport media. The portrayals in action filled or suspense dramas of behavior that dilutes the respect for another human being or group can have dire consequences if a counterbalance is lacking. ×Ö´®8

This is not restricted to the visual media, but also permeates into the contemporary music industry when harsh and vitriolic language is inculcated into the brain. The same recurring messages become associated with an easy to remember melody. Does this mean that one no longer has to hear the words to remember the emotions associated with them? Does it mean one can just hum the tune and without consciously realizing it, the same emotions are experienced? ×Ö´®8

One way to put the brakes on such explosive behavior and exaggerated responses to behavior is to work together for a greater good. Taking the initiative to esteem the other person or group without any possible repayment for services can seem to be a risky as well as foolhardy proposition. I was pleased recently to have been able to see and hear what I would categorize as a positive news story. I appreciate that a decision was made to cover the story and to air it. The public had a right to know this story. ×Ö´®8

The story told of a nonprofit organization that sent volunteer homebuilders and carpenters just south of the border that separates the United States and Mexico. Their goal was to build simple, habitable houses in one day where dilapidated slum dwellings had been standing. These existing so-called homes had dirt floors upon which people slept and wood haphazardly arranged together to form walls. The occupants had to fend off tarantulas. Single mothers and their children lived in most of these homes.

Here was a commendable example of those who identified a problem, devised a workable plan to correct it and then put successfully their plan into action. At the end of the day the new homeowners were smiling and grateful. The participants felt good because they improved the quality of life for several needy people.

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Although this was just a small project and the need is far greater than their capacity to meet the total need, progress occurred. This can be attributable to the right people coming together to bring forth good and make the world a little better than the way they found it. ×Ö´®8

To show that giving hope in an unobtrusive way can be beneficial is refreshing. Bringing the news into balance from the unbearable weight of pessimism with a good human-interest story such as this is encouraging and motivating. These small actions of goodwill may serve to foster a greater insight and understanding as to why much of the other news and televised viewing is so violent and disturbing.

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