Making something out of nothing.
Making a mountain out of a molehill.
Make of it what you will.
These expressions deliver a clear message: Any thing can be made into some thing.
Last month we were glued to the TV for the Olympics. We recorded them so we could start them after we enjoyed our gardens and without commercials—although we watched quite a few commercials since many were done well and related to the games.
I noticed the uniforms. I noticed the U.S. newscasters focus on one member of a team more than any other. The close-ups of one girl crying dominated air time. I felt sorry for you, Jordyn, but even sorrier that the camera would not allow you privacy!
There was chatter about Gabby’s hair, her race and her faith. One morning I caught a snippet on the radio about how Gabby Douglas’s uniforms had not been patriotic enough. What?! Later I saw how the original FOX newscast did not really target Gabby although she was front-and-center as one of our greatest champions (one of the greatest Olympians ever!) in her electric pink leotard. And that is when the thoughts that started this blog came to me.
What is it about our current public/civic dialogue that invites those who know how to make something out of nothing to step forward and provide made-up things to get angry about? Aren’t we facing enough real challenges as a nation? Do we really have to make up problems?
Rather than report the news, media have become the interpreters. They tell us what is happening and what we should care about, according to them. News channels’ talking heads tell us what we should think!? I am just not comfortable with that! I want real news. I have a brain; I can think for myself. How about you?
Inez Torres Davis is director for justice.
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