Out of Character

Does character matter anymore?

Okay, so I guess I've turned into the little old lady lamenting the loss of those perfectly imperfect, downright wholesome, good old days. The days when people actually cared about things like honor, integrity, and respect. But wait. Are they really gone?

Let's say leaders like John Adams, Abe Lincoln, and Eleanor Roosevelt came back to visit. They turn on one of those mesmerizing boxes called a television. That ubiquitous thing that supposedly reflects modern society. What kind of impression would they get about who - or what - we've evolved into?

One good thing about living in a place where nature is a show itself, is that I don't bother watching that box much anymore. But not so long ago, it was my escape. At the end of the day, I loved not having to think. But then I realized it did make me think - about thousands more things - and many, if not most, of those thoughts weren't positive. It was like subjecting myself to an onslaught of neuroticism, ignorance, violence, anger, and downright stupidity. Almost everything had an "edge" to it. I felt overwhelmed. I came to resent feeling so manipulated by the images, content and ads. I wanted out, and I got it.

So then I turned to real life. I looked around at my family, my friends, and the vast majority of people I encounter. They aren't edgy or jaded or ignorant. They all live every day lives with integrity, strength and love. Are there issues? For sure. But not to the extent that TV is anywhere near an accurate depiction of our lives. Not a chance.

I find that most people choose goodness. I wonder if John, Abe and Eleanor would find that too. I bet they would.

Do you? How close does the media generally depict your life and those around you?
And does character matter anymore, or have we chosen to turn away from it?