Shock value no longer exists
‘Shock value’ no longer exists
A quote from a Pogo comic strip featured a character saying: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
I truly believe this comment reflects the “truth of the matter” as to how the age of information — the constant and relentless outpouring of information bombarding us 24/7 — has virtually zombified the human population.
There is practically no “shock value” reactions because tragedies and disasters are reported with such frequency, so such emotional upheavals are just a dime a dozen. We have not prepared adequate coping mechanisms to deal with the scope of adversarial happenstances and, perhaps, this may be one of the reasons why mass killings are beginning to occur with greater frequency — anytime, anywhere.
Have we provided effective procedures to deal with the constant flow of negativity which confronts us daily? Are our schools and/or health facilities equipped and prepared to provide skills and measures to support and assist the population at-large? What is the role of media exponents in this endeavor? Should our governmental agencies have roles and responsibilities in this arena?
What are your observations? Your suggestions? Your recommendations?
We may need to focus on these things — here and now! What do you think?
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
