CD- Cognitive Dissonance
Hyperbole is exhausting. Exaggerated statements fill the airwaves daily. A candidate for president says that the United States is a sick, sick country and that due to crime, open borders, and homelessness, we are about to go over the cliff. Yet look around; you can turn on the TV and see thousands of people paying hundreds of dollars all around the country to see sporting events, movies make millions each weekend, the roads are full of Teslas, Disneyland and Disneyworld have record attendance, and 100,000 people a day visited Lalapoolza in Chicago's Grant Park last week. The new Intuit Dome opened in Los Angeles, and the opening concerts featuring Bruno Mars and Usher are sold out.
This is an example of cognitive dissonance, a term that has become increasingly relevant in our media-saturated society. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or psychological stress experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time. In this context, it describes the conflicting perceptions of the United States as both a failing society with significant issues (e.g., crime, homelessness, high prices) and a thriving consumer culture (e.g., full sports arenas, successful theme parks, high-grossing movies, and people driving nice cars). This tension is often perpetuated by the media, which tends to focus on the negative aspects of society, creating a distorted view of reality.
This term encapsulates the stark contrast between the negative narrative about societal decline and the observable reality of widespread participation in leisure and luxury activities. It's a revelation that challenges our preconceived notions and invites us to see the bigger picture.
Yes, there are challenges such as crime, homelessness, and immigration issues, but there is also beauty, prosperity, and countless individuals who every day are working hard contributing to the well-being of others. For example, job coaches for adults with disabilities, home health care workers, receptionists in the front office at hospitals, and daycare facility workers who care for our children. Instead of consistently sowing seeds of despair, let's work collectively to make things better. It's time to move away from the hyperbole and cognitive dissonance that dominate our discourse. Let's seek a more balanced perspective, one that acknowledges the challenges but also celebrates the positive aspects of our society, and inspires hope for a brighter future
