In today's digital age, outrage has become a currency unto itself. From social media feeds to online forums, it seems that everywhere we turn, there's something new to be angry about. Are you not angry or outraged about the latest post? Don’t worry there will be a new one right away - that content creator needs to remain relevant to satiate their need to feel self-important. This addiction to outrage has given rise to a new breed of activism – one that champions causes from outside your own sphere-of-influence while neglecting the pressing issues in our own communities. As we immerse ourselves in the problems of others, are we neglecting the very real challenges that exist in our own backyards?
In an age of instant communication and hyper-connectivity, outrage has become a pervasive force in our lives. From viral videos to trending hashtags to even what the latest political mouth-piece has said in their address to… whomever is still listening?… the internet has transformed outrage into a form of entertainment, with each new scandal and controversy capturing our collective attention. Yet, beneath the surface of this digital outrage lies a deeper truth – the commodification of anger and the exploitation of our emotions for profit and power.
One of the paradoxes of modern activism is the tendency to focus on global issues at the expense of local ones. While it's easy to become incensed by the injustices of the world, this fixation on distant problems can often distract us from the pressing issues in our own communities. There are myriad challenges facing us at home that demand our attention and action, and I do not even mean problems facing our nations, but instead problems like: “do I have a well maintained and functioning mode of transportation?” or “can I produce something to eat if scarcity of the poison-laden-”food” at the store effects supply?” Yet, all too often, we allow ourselves to be consumed by outrage over issues that have little direct impact on our daily lives.
are your priorities in-line?
That said, there are benefits to being informed about global issues. Geopolitical awareness can provide valuable insights into the forces shaping our world; the same forces which might one day be on our doorsteps, and inspire us to take action to protect ourselves and our communities. By understanding the root causes of global problems, we can better prepare ourselves to address similar challenges if they arise in our immediate sphere. However, it's essential to strike a balance between global awareness and local action, ensuring that we don't lose sight of the issues that directly impact our lives and communities. It is more convenient to worry about every potential boogie-man than do the hard work that lays on the top of your to-do-list.
At the heart of the matter lies the decay of Western nations and the allure of globalism. As we grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing world, we often overlook the problems festering in our own backyards. Global money laundering operations and NGO marketing campaigns have duped us into devaluing our own communities in favor of abstract notions of commitment to what-is-morally-correct in a world that worships evil. Yet, if we are truly committed to localism and oppose globalism, we must resist the temptation to prioritize the problems of others over the needs of our own communities.
The addiction to outrage and the allure of globalism-non-local-issues have led many astray, diverting our attention from the pressing issues facing our own communities. While geopolitical awareness has its place, it's essential not to lose sight of the problems that directly impact our lives and the lives of those around us. By embracing localism and focusing our efforts on addressing the challenges in our own backyards, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and create a better world for future generations.
I have been considering this point for some time. Thanks for putting into a coherent stream of words. Thanks Greg.
Thank you for putting this into organized words, I've been struggling with this conviction, especially as a Christian,and have spoken with others who are too.