Another day, another high profile headline, another injury. Today police are investigating a bomb in Chelsea, New York. Details on the origination, motive, status of the victims, and potential suspects haven’t been released, but for the American population who is reading the news- the emotional damage has already been done.
Every time there’s a heartbreaking headline or a new infamous trend on twitter, it seems like there’s always something new to be afraid of, a new variety of threats to address. In my school career, we only had two types of drills: fire and tornado. However, lockdown drills got added to the agenda as I grew older. I can’t remember going through airport security before 2001, but I’m sure that was an entirely different experience than today’s multiple security checkpoints. Even our social media has adapted to our fear of violence– Facebook has a check in feature that allows members to check in to safety so their friends can keep track of those around a dangerous location.
When a mass shooting occurs, and they do often, several bring up the idea that as media consumers we are desensitized to the violence we watch or hear about on the news. I don’t think that speaks for everyone. While some find it easier and easier to mourn and move on past the next tragedy, some can’t escape the constant fear. Do I stop going to school? Do I stop shopping at malls? Where does it end? Is this obsessive fear or justified protection? Some justifiably feel helpless in their fear. If people are attacked in their homes, their schools, their work, their pleasure trips- where can you go to feel truly safe? Not just physically safe, but having the mental peace of mind to go about every day life without unnecessary and all-consuming hypotheticals.
I’d attribute current events as one of the crucial components of civic duty, but to an extent, it’s completely draining to anyone’s mental health. The news industry is infamous for being top heavy in crime-drama and under reporting more uplifting stories, but does that mean we should cut out news entirely? Ignorance may be bliss, but for how long? There’s no benefit in ignoring high profile tragedy and healthy discussion in ways to prevent a continuation. Finding the balance in how much tragedy you can digest might be a good way into navigating journalism. You’re not obligated to seek news you’re not capable of handling by yourself either.
Know your limits. We talk about safety in a physical sense, but hardly in a mental sense. Safety of body is just as crucial as safety of mind.
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