Mind and Media

Anyone else noticed we are being led down the wrong path as a group  ?

Then read on..

This is a list of some of the ways I believe society is being discouraged from thinking straight and drawing sound or happy conclusions.

It is inspired by Mark Passio.


1. Obfuscation - idea presented relates to the opposite of what is the important aspect of the issue.  Concealing the nub of the debate.
who does it: politicians, businessmen, think tanks, talk shows, newspapers.
effect: person listening thinks the topic is beyond them or too complex, or that everyones viewpoint is equal.   Or that there are just two opposite views to consider - over simplification. Or they just have an emotional response. Lowered self esteem.
Confused mind maps result in confused behaviour and thoughts, leaving decision making to others even though unsure of their intent. 

TRY : using critical thinking to analyse the main points being made and their relevance.
(see more posts coming up) .

2. The perpetuation of the idea man is born evil and acts evil.

Who does it: newspapers love this.
Effect: World view poisoning. Divide and conquer - Person can see others as separate and dangerous. focus on differences between people...or feels sad.
Find oneself saying things like 'Its human nature for man to have wars'.
Giving up on utopian thought and manifesting a fear of a dystopian future.
Nothing matters as it will keep happening...

TRY : seeing others as all in the same boat with you and a few people at the top acting irresponsibly.
Spark up imagine by John Lennon next time you have a coffee.

3. Exploitation of primal fears

Who does it : Film and TV are allowed to do this aided by distributors and government bodies- disgusting murders, evil poltergeists, beasts of the night - you name it -  it could be you next!.or may be you just enjoy seeing others suffer? Weird. Have you asked Why?
Effect: heightened state of energy, not calm required for logic and consistency. 
Desensitisation to pain and death encourages a lack of caring towards fellow beings.
Lowering the importance of other fears - Like the fear of someone enslaving your children in a debt driven monetry system. 
Desire for danger.  This could cause problems for some younger people who lack experience.

TRY : completely avoiding watching it and channel excitement elsewhere (not the bottle!) - physical activity good.  Or at least watch a plain thriller if you like the hit.

4. Perception management and denial of information - links in with no.1.
Who does it: Whoever is in charge of mass media
Effect: intelligent people have their scope of awareness limited by missing facts and whole stories completely, and thus their solutions are also limited. Overeliance on commentators, or celebrities even, for forming opinions.

TRY: Not watching the news and doing own research on the web for a topic of interest.


5. Illusion of time.
Who does this : Well we all do it to each other, but it is encouraged.
Effect: Person lives with regret for the past (eg Guilt of empire) or fear for the future (nuclear war, societal collapse, dead polar bears etc). and doesn't concentrate on the small steps they must take today and now to ensure a happier outcome. They are being frozen.


TRY: shutting your eyes and listening to now....but remember Living in the moment is not the same as living for the moment...!  (the latter implies fine wines and cakes required)