While I was eating dinner a few weeks ago, I was watching the news and for 5 straight reports in a row, there was not once a positive story mentioned. I started to contemplate whether I actually believed there was anything good taking place around me. Then I realized that I chose to turn on the TV and spend 10 minutes listening to a cold faced reporter tell me that a 17-year-old boy had been shot 20 miles from my house. I wondered how someone could give a report like that so nonchalant. Offended, I quickly changed the channel to find myself watching an episode of Law and Order SVU, showing the same crime I had just seen on the news.
That night, I realized that the news stations, news media, and newspapers only reflect the interests that people have. Movies, books, and TV shows do the same thing. That explains why the top rated movies, books, and TV series revolve around sex, crime, violence and fear. Would it not make sense then for news outlets to only share stories that appeal to our interest? These “good stories” that make for “good TV” aren’t actually good.
Am I offering that in order to reach world peace everyone stop watching CNN or Law and Order? No. I’m simply saying that a shift in what we focus our interest on might just be the key in moving our cities, nations, and ultimately world to a more peaceful state.
In order to head start this shift, I wanted to share with you a list of really, really good things that happened this week in an effort to push the good into the spotlight.
حر و أخيرا .1.
Translated in Arabic to mean “Free at Last”. When ISIS took over parts in Syria, the women there were forced to wear only black clothing that covered their entire body. When Khadija Abdu Al-Muotee found out about her liberation from ISIS rule, she vowed that she would only wear read for the rest of her life. You don’t have to speak Arabic to understand the happiness in this video. (Link to the full story listed at the bottom)
2. Chase FTW
JPMorgan Chase committed an incredible $75 million towards a 5-year plan to push global career readiness that is aimed at youth. They revealed this week that they will be granting Detroit $4 million dollars, in an effort to help students reach economic opportunity. The money from this grant will go towards resources that further educate high school students, helping them to be more accessible to economic opportunity. This is huge in light of Detroit’s youth unemployment rate being at 30%. (Link to the full story listed at the bottom)
3. The World’s Greatest Kid (seriously, she’s incredible)
Khloe Thompson (9 years old, I repeat NINE YEARS OLD) launched her own charity this week. She, alongside her grandma and mom, designs beautiful bags filled with necessities and passes them out to homeless people in her community. I could seriously talk about this kid all day. (Watch this video now!!)
4. ZUBABOX
A solar powered shipping box that doubles as an internet café and classroom? No way. ZubaBox is a new invention that is being strategically placed in remote living place which so conveniently include refugee areas. This little box that can accommodate up to 11 people at once, offers an inclusive way to teach people necessary skills to expand their opportunities. The boxes come equipped with (non-profit) educators to help facilitate relevant learning necessary to succeed in society. (Link to the full story listed at the bottom)
5. Dancing in Rio
A 22-year-old in Rio has opened a ballet studio that is free to girls who’s report cards prove they are passing their classes. Her goal? Teaching discipline while challenging the girls to not limit themselves. I legitimately bawled watching this video. (WATCH THE VIDEO!!!)
These are just 5 really, really good things that happened this week. There are so many that I read that I didn’t share.
Join me in deciding that “good stories” are made up of people doing good things.
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