The late US Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart is credited with the phrase “I know it when I see it,” while considering Jacobellis v. Ohio, a landmark case before the Court identifying hard-core pornography.
I’m not sure there is a Wikipedia definition of “political pornography,” but like Justice Stewart, I think I too know it when I see it.
And I readily admit---I am tempted---and sometimes succumb---to the dangers posed by the slow path of addiction that can start innocently---just wanting to know the “news”---and wind up in the grasp of the anger, anxiety, hate and depression that can ultimately control one’s life.
I love politics. Always have. My favorite day in elementary school was Fridays---not just because that was the last day of the school week---but because that was the day the teachers handed out our copy of “My Weekly Reader.” Even as a young child, I loved to read about current events, and I suppose this periodical was to encourage kids to begin to read and stay current on happenings in the 1950s.
Heck---I even majored in political science---with the idea I would one day run for mayor or governor--- it never worked out.
What are the signs of addiction? First thing in the morning, you turn on your favorite cable news network. And let me be clear here---THIS GOES BOTH WAYS! It doesn’t matter if you are MAGA on steroids, or a Democratic Socialist that considers MSNBC too tame. You are going to tune in and get comfort by listening to reporters/entertainers you readily agree with.
Next, you grab your cell phone or iPad and start “Googling” your favorite “influencers.” AGAIN---it goes both ways. You find ways to decline social invitations because you’d rather stay home and watch your favorite prime time cable news show. Or you go out of your mind if you forgot to record the show!
You stay angry all the time. You never laugh much.
You find yourself in a social situation. After a few exchanges of pleasantries, either you or an acquaintance pops out a question-- “what did you think about the speech last night?” What we have going on here is a “verbal diagnostic test” to determine which side of the plate you swing from----MAGA OR DSA. You are busted either way you respond to the “gotcha” question.
In total transparency---I read a lot of printed media. I only occasionally watch cable news---CNN, FOX or News Nation---just because I don’t have time. (I am in the process of starting a new business). And it seems to me that the stars of all the networks are getting filthy rich off the backs of viewership.
Who’s really the patsy here? Plus, I invest $16.00 a month in Amazon Prime Music, and I would rather listen to a wide range of live concerts before going to bed and not be so jacked up and angry that I can’t sleep.
I recently listened to a podcast by the actor, author, evangelist and television host, Kirk Cameron. He referred to all of the distractions of social, printed, and televised media as “Hate Bait.”
What can I do? Subscribe to a national headline news service that provides daily updates---but no commentary or spin. Limit Facebook to just family and a small group of friends. Realize you can’t change people’s opinions. Concentrate on their good traits, the value of their personal friendship, and remember the good times.
Don’t take the bait when someone slyly asks your opinion. (It usually doesn’t end well.)
I’m 75 years old. I’m just not going to let a bunch of “talking heads”— (while they live in fancy mansions at my emotional expense)---rob me of daily happiness and joy for whatever years I have left to spend with my family and friends.
It’s hard----but I’m going to try!
Kendall Smith is a Northsider.
