Letter: Smarten up and dumb it down

Graphic by Lori Deaton

I have more serious issues on my mind but wanted to send out my appreciation to radio personalities Blades & Crystal at 105.9 The Mountain. I used to be a huge NPR listener but have become disengaged from them and the news in general. Every media outlet seems to have a political agenda in its reporting. I typically do not listen to the radio, preferring instead podcasts and purchased music from my cellphone. On the occasion that I do tune in, The Mountain is about the only channel I can stomach. Specifically, to listen to Blades & Crystal.

Yes, I am a multiple time winner of their morning ticket challenges but honestly enjoy the show for more than the payoff. The hosts keep it light and simple and positive. In jest, I began this letter with a statement of more serious issues at hand, but tuning out to the sad general shape of our media to tune into a positive outlet is quite serious to me. Whether it is a good song, positive conversation, such as the ones Blades & Crystal have each morning, or the good deeds of others, my emotional well-being is better suited to the positive and avoiding the negative.

Maneuvering the traps of extreme opinion on social media and online news outlets is a tricky path to travel. Many of my Facebook “friends” break my heart with their far left or far right hateful views toward the other party. I cannot even breach a political subject with many of my family members due to a “one size fits all” opinion of the world.

Maybe we could smarten up by dumbing it down sometimes. Filling our heads with peaceful talk, fun music and games might cure what ails us. Yes, we should stay aware of the needs of others, the needs of society. Yes, we should stop sweating what we cannot change and confront what we can. But can we take a break from the craziness for a while and just chill out?

— Jeff Bloomer
Mills River

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Letter: Smarten up and dumb it down

  1. Lulz

    Well you can disengage but beware when you wake up one day and find things not to your liking. There’s a huge swath of people that assume the government will bring them prosperity. And believe they can convince others to work for free to achieve it. And when many refuse, they’ll end up victims in a system more closely related to North Korea. Politicians and bureacrats are showing themselves to be power hungry and psychopathic at the same time. And they’re counting on dumb people more than you realize.

  2. Bright

    Great letter! I am disengaged, luckily. Low income, but a wealth of mental comfort. I never watch the news yet know everything about the “hot topics.” How? My well-meaning (brainwashed) friends blabber like walking internets. Their limited scope gives them all a common topic, and they’re laughable. Disengage…they’re all the same and will get that news to you , whether ask for it or not.

  3. MG Massey

    Well the certain population which consistently proposes positivity..ignores real life negative life altering injustice happening to their neighbors.
    Forget the net.
    Look around you.
    Being an ostrich is such a selfish choice.
    Turn off the net and go do something positive to change things for the hurting.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.