Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Happy birthday blog

Yesterday was my blog's one-year anniversary, but somehow it doesn't feel right to be celebratory given the circumstances in our nation today. My heart and prayers go out to the Virginia Tech students and their families. This tragedy speaks to the need for more dialogue in our nation about the violence that bombards us in movies, videos and music. As these tragedies continue, like an addiction, they seem to escalate, one shooting more horrific than the rest.

Does anyone remember the "bo-bo doll" experiments from the 60s? Completed by social psychologists, they put large inflatable dolls called bo-bo's in a room with small children. If the kids punched the dolls, they would spring back and then forward. Kids who were exposed to violence via comic books or television programs or motion pictures were then observed to determine their behavior toward bo-bo dolls.

The findings were that kids exposed to violence via different mediums like comic books were more likely to strike the bo-bo's than kids who weren't. In my day, the most violent cartoon we had was Roadrunner; today's violence surrounding kids is simply astounding.

Part of what's come out of the Don Imus debate is the hope that more dialogue will help our nation with our racist attitudes. Do you think this nation will ever address its increasing fascination with violence?

Before I get off on another rant, I'm going to close by saying "Thanks" to you who made comments re my blogging. You have been a source of inspiration to me over this past year and I hope to continue blogging as often as I can at this point.

Until tomorrow, please remember the victims of yesterday's tragedy in your prayers. They, and our nation as a whole, need it.

5 comments:

msb said...

Thank You for your blog full of love.

lushgurl said...

I really love your blog... you are not afraid to address issues and open up communication to some otherwise scary stuff. You have also shown great compassion towards others, and love to your fellows...Here's to many more of your great blogging thoughts!
HUGS

Meg Moran said...

I was my ex husband's bo bo doll. Perhaps that is why much of your blogging touches my heart. You are a champion of women, victems and human rights in so many ways...and you show us how to be vocal and still graceful. Happy Birthday Blog, and thank you for all of the gifts.

ArahMan7 said...

That's why I love reading your posts. Learned a lot what's going on.

Keep on blogging, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I would absolutely second what Meg said. I can't even find any better words to add to it!
Thanks for all you post. I LOVE your blog (and you , of course.)
Peace,
Scout