Hi 96 / Lo 71
|
Hi 96 / Lo 71 |
Student Publications
©1991-2007
Last modified:
Contact:
|
Volume 71, Issue 141,
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Opinion Reject the bonds of cynicism David Salinas
A couple of days ago, NBC's The Today Show led off its program with a live interview with Ann Coulter. Coulter was on the show to talk about the anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment promoted by President Bush. The amendment was proposed to entice people at the bottom of the barrel of the conservative movement to vote Republican. In other news, the only time Democrats and Republicans have found a reason to work together recently is to make sure fellow congressmen like Rep. William Jefferson are placed above the law. Matt Drudge's Web site had a "live webcam" of "illegals" crossing the border and links. Speaking of entertainment, television in recent weeks has not really offered any great escape from mind-numbing news. With what networks call "sweeps" came many season finales, including reality shows like American Idol, which touted it garnered more voter interest than a presidential election. Of course, saying that was misleading because the audience can vote multiple times, but the fact is the show did have a bigger audience than any of the presidential debates in 2004. Another disturbing reality show is Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator. Instead of showing a news documentary on how vile pedophiles can come in contact with children, they spend a majority of the time airing "gotcha" moments with the host surprising the would-be sex offenders. You would think the producers would want to keep these "stings" a little less public, but ratings come first. From the ongoing death and destruction in countries from Sudan to Iraq to even less important news like rising gas prices and tuition increases, the news is frustrating. This weekend Stephen Colbert -- using his real persona, not the fake newsman one -- gave a commencement address at Knox College in Illinois. He imparted a great deal of wisdom to the class of 2006 when speaking of the chances they should take in life: "Don't be afraid to be a fool. Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. "Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything, because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world, because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us, cynics always say no. But saying yes begins things. Saying yes is how things grow. Saying yes leads to knowledge." If I could piggyback on Colbert's words, it's silly to be a cynic because cynics let the actions of others dictate your life. We should question the world around us, but you can't let cynicism consume you to the point of debilitation. The failures of leaders today shouldn't turn you off to politics and government; it should motivate you to get involved. If you don't like the news business, their bent on "infotainment," get involved in journalism. If you don't like the entertainment industry, write a screenplay, pilot or novel, and add yourself to the growing, not-so-esoteric niche of bright, independent entertainers. Just don't roll your eyes and scoff at the world around you. It doesn't make you look any smarter, only unproductive and irrelevant. David Salinas, an opinion columnist for the Daily
Cougar,
|
To contact the
To contact other members
of
 |