Is the world we live in today really worse than it used to be?

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:19:02 -0400

Back in the day, there was 30 minutes of local news and 30 minutes of world news every day...with the world news taking weekend breaks. Today...news is on ALL THE TIME...with all stations competing for ratings and catering to their constituents. Not only are news stations running around the clock...social media is a compounder of news as well...whether it be true or not. So...is the world really that much worse than it used to be? Or is it just a matter of EVERY SINGLE THING being reported in order to fill up a 24 hour day?

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 23 at 2015 12:50 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:50:55 -0400

I don't believe that the world has changed as much as it seems. As you stated, with 24 Hours news networks (emphasis on the 's') we are now subjected daily to every smallest detail of so many tragic occurrences. Then there is the internet, which offers the same stories, but often much more quickly, and in much MORE detail.

I think many would just like to stop watching, but how else will you know what is happening in the world?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 23 at 2015 12:56 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 00:56:35 -0400

There's too much negativity in the world. We need good news occasionally

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 23 at 2015 1:00 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:00:21 -0400

It was worse during WWII, the Great Depression, and the Civil War here in the modern era.

It was MUCH worse in China during the Cultural Revolution and in Laos during Pol Pot's regime.

It was far worse in ancient times almost anywhere than it is in modern times.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 23 at 2015 1:06 AM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:06:20 -0400

Well I don't know if the world is worse, but I know my grandfather (sunk twice in ww2) would roll over in his grave if he saw what our country has become, or is becoming.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jul 23 at 2015 1:19 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:19:32 -0400

We live in a better world. Even the worst off American lives a lifestyle half the world would still envy. As for what passes for "news" and "journalism" these days, it is an atrocious waste of time and energy, and resembles op-ed pieces that would've gotten chopped by "dear Abbey" back in the day.
We catch highlights of tragedy, but very rarely is that single event put into perspective for us. The loss of four Marines and a Sailor in Chattanooga and the world goes crazy, 22 Veterans a day commit suicide and no one bats an eye. We get trapped in moments and sound bites, the echo chambers in our heads where our worst fears play out, while we've grown to accept other tragedy, the tragedies that are truly killing America, as a routine cost of doing business.

America is short on perspective these days.

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Jul 23 at 2015 1:22 AM

Maj William Gambrell — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:22:38 -0400

I think it is a combination of both. World knowledge has improved over the past 15 years thanks to the internet and media attention. However, politics has taken advantage and leadership focuses on what the media states and not reality. Thus, I think it is destroying the world.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jul 23 at 2015 9:12 AM

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:12:30 -0400

As far as Economy and way of life is concerned the world is better off now. However, Socially the world is not as caring or hospitable as it ince was. The government has removed God from our society, the family structure is fractured, and our values have eroded.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 23 at 2015 9:34 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:34:45 -0400

I think so - culture is getting further and further from the truth. More and more acceptance of behaviors that were once unacceptable - like sex before marriage, homosexuality, disrespecting law enforcement and other authorities, respect for elders, and I could go on and on - but the point is, much of the "new news" stems from these new behaviors! :-)