This Is Not HBO

tv

What type of TV/movie personality are you?  Do you like comedy shows?  Romantic comedy movies?  Thrillers? Or dramas?  If you have logged into YouTube anytime in the recent days, you may think you are watching fictional drama clips of American President (the movie), but this is not HBO, this is real life.  

Social media is a platform for people to spread lies about themselves… L.G.Davis

We recently witnessed a horrific event occurring in Pennsylvania USA.  An assassination attempt on past president Donald Trump.  Immediately, all TV news stations and social media outlets were bombarded with coverage of this happening – which will go down in history books.

Aside:  Are there even history books anymore?  Can students or the general public go into a library – and figure out the Dewy Decimal System and find a history book referencing this tragedy in the future?  I guess I am dating myself since I believe most teachings are orchestrated via smart boards now. 

My husband and I learned of this event later on that Saturday evening around 9:30pm.  We ended up streaming clip after clip of live footage until around mid-night.  Once morning came, obviously, there were an abundance of clips and coverage readily found.  However, one disturbing aspect that we discovered as we continued to watch the current coverage was how the clips were edited.  No longer were they similar live coverage shots, but rather instant ‘movie’ clips with dramatic music and polished transitions.  We found it disturbing and quite alarming at how this horrific historic event was being dramatized.  

This is a real-life moment – not HBO.  

I believe my generation and up (and quite possibly some sensible younger generations) would clue into that aspect and take it seriously, however, what about the up and coming generations?  They are already bombarded with graphic images on video games, movies, TV shows and social media – that their brains are already clouded with what is real and what is fiction.  Do they even realize how serious this event was?  How serious it actually is for that country? For our own country?  

That spectator’s family whose husband and father died – will never laugh with them again.

Those spectators who were critically injured will be scarred not only physically for life, but also quite possibly mentally.  

The family of the shooter could quite possibly be shunned, disgraced and hated their entire lives due to the actions of their son.  

It’s no wonder kids today are so desensitized. Every major event once posted to the internet/social media platforms are dramatized and edited into a spectacular ‘made for tv’ reel.

The dramatization of the social media feeds proceeding this event has been a disgrace (in my opinion) allowing the seriousness of this assassination attempt be fictionalized. Now don’t get me wrong, there has been plenty of researched and professional news clips to be watched with informative with outstanding coverage.  I believe the ‘amateur’ social media ‘wanna-be’s’ are just trying to cash in on tragedy.  Again, just my opinion.

money, social media

So, going forward, as you watch, re-watch and learn more about the unfolding facts of this tragic historical event, place close attention to what you are watching and place close attention to who has posted the clip.  

For the younger viewers out there, this could be a learning lesson for you all.  Not everything is about the drama.  Real life happens.  Tragedy happens.  Horrific events happen.  Real life is not the video game you play, or the series you watch.  Real life is viewed right from your own clear eyes and sometimes, it is tragic. 

These are events worth documenting and one day telling our future generations.  They are events we can learn from and grow from.  I pray that going forward, our society has learned from this. I pray that society changes its ‘hate’ attitude towards others.  We were created to be different – it is ok to have differing opinions and political sides. We can learn from each other.  I believe this will make not only the USA stronger, but also us neighbouring Canadians. 

Please note:  Sometimes these tragic events can trigger worry and fear, especially if you have lived through past historical events or if you experienced it in person or new of someone there.  If this is you – talking to someone may help.  A loved one, pastor,  or close friend could help ease any uneasiness you may be experiencing.  If you don’t have anyone to you can talk to, there are help lines available at the touch of a few button.  Click HERE if that is the case for a help line number.  

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