This just in: Everyone has an Opinion!

In this day and age, just about everyone has a favorite news channel. Mine happens to be Fox News. I'll be totally honest: while I do watch Fox News to learn about what's going on in the world, I also watch it because I get to hear the news filtered through a Republican point of view. I have friends and family members who think that Fox News is a total waste of time and therefore choose to watch CNN and/or MSNBC. Whether they know it or not, they enjoy these channels because they want their news put through a liberal filter!


Two news anchors I've enjoyed listening to are Bill O'reilly and Sean Hannity. While each obviously maintains his own set of conservative viewpoints, I'd argue that each also strives to invite guests who have opposing viewpoints (if not to represent both sides, then definitely to make the other side look bad). The great thing about America is that we are free to have our own opinions and say (within reason) pretty much whatever the heck we want!

But what happens when we grow tired of the filter?


Don't get me wrong; I enjoy a good debate as much as the next girl! But sometimes I find myself wanting a break from the arguments and the opinions and the filters and I just want to hear the news. I know, shocking! The sad truth is that there are approximately zero places I can go to hear the news and only the news.

Everyone has an opinion, even and especially journalists! I do, however, feel that as a journalist (which I aspire to be someday) you owe it to your viewers to set aside your feelings and opinions and just present something that this culture is starving for: the truth.

A Harsh Reality

Reality TV: some people love it; some people hate it. I happen to love it and hate it. I have fond memories of watching shows like American Idol and The Amazing Race with my family. Looking back on those middle school nights, I have come to the conclusion that those shows taught me the following:

• Ordinary Americans can lead extraordinary lives. It's possible to go from rags to riches.
• People who follow their dreams no matter the cost are incredibly beautiful. 
• Just about anything is possible with a little luck and a lot of persistence. 

I remember being intrigued by the participants on the shows; I loved learning their stories and as a viewer, becoming a part of their stories. I would text in to vote for my favorite contestants on American Idol, and I would root for my favorite Amazing Race duo as they completed a challenge in a faraway land. Their courage inspired me; I remember thinking "if they can do it, so can I." 

Enter stage left: Snooki, the Kardashians, and the Real Housewives. Now instead of joining average people in the pursuit of their dreams and their race around the world, we are subjected to the dramatized lives of celebrity wannabes. When was the last time you watched a bunch of fist-pumping fools and walked away inspired? My point exactly. These shows serve one purpose: mindless entertainment. The passive viewer takes on the role of a spectator of a train wreck. There is nothing inspiring or educational or positive that comes from these shows; they simply take up time. 

What is happening to our culture that we would rather watch drama-filled, feigned reality TV than actually live lives of our own, full of purpose and adventure? I'll tell you one thing: I'm not going to waste my life watching others ruin theirs. I'm going after my dreams, and that's reality.