It's All The Hype!

After seeing the events of today's "balloon boy" incident, I felt the need to write a post about how the media can hype up anything. First of all, I have to say I am glad there wasn't actually a boy who floated away in a balloon. Secondly, I can't help but to wonder if the whole incident wasn't just a publicity stunt. I mean, is it really a coincidence that the family of the "balloon boy" just happened to be on the television show Wife Swap? Some people will do anything to get, or stay, in the limelight. Look at "Octomom." After having way to many kids, she not only got to have dozens of interviews on big name shows, but also received her own show, and a hefty paycheck.

One thing we have to realize is that the media will do anything, and everything, to get the best ratings possible. This includes ridiculous stories like "Bigfoot found", "Octomom", and now "balloon boy." I get annoyed when I see such stories getting all the media attention. Especially when we have such things as war taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan, the health care debate, and problems with our economy. How come such stories as a suicide bomber killing 49 people gets minimal coverage, whilst some story about a boy who wasn't even in a balloon, but hiding in the garage attic, gets top headlines? It's the same reason you don't see very many good natured stories in the top headlines. It doesn't generate ratings, which in turn doesn't generate money. Those are the top two goals of any news/media outlet. Another reason we don't always see such stories, is that they take place on the other side of the world. We have a horrible habit in this country of, "if it doesn't affect me, then I can turn my eyes the other way."

Even when David Letterman admitted to having multiple affairs, the media turned him into the sad victim. Instead of focusing on his behavior, bad decisions, and how hurt his wife must feel, the media put the focus on how he was the victim who was trying to be extorted for money. This all occurred while his ratings shot way up.

How sad have we become as not only a nation, but as a human race, when we simply laugh off, or even promote such immoral acts? When we favor bogus stories, over serious news, and when we would rather see only negativity and death in the news over something positive? It seems to me that Satan surely does have his grip on this world.

I will leave you with a piece of advice-Don't always believe everything you hear about in the news. Even though it really is, "all the hype!"

-Nick