How Watching More Animal Videos Can Change America?

Has anyone else noticed how unpleasant it is to watch people on television today? So much arguing, dissent and rudeness. No one allows anyone to make a point and if they do by some miracle get a sentence out, no one gives a damn what they say anyway. Even humor has been relegated to the ash heap of history lately.

Where once human beings showed respect for those who didn’t share their particular opinion, now it’s common to see those who believe any who disagree should just shut up and die.

I am seriously struck by the malevolence with which humans converse. The hostility is palpable and the chance for a peaceful resolve to disagreements seems like a wish that could never come true.

So how can people who are shocked and appalled by the way humans are treating one another feel better about the world in which we all exist?

In my desire to make the world a better place I suggest that more cutesy, adorable animal videos are just the answer.

I mean seriously, who can feel bad about the world when kittens and puppies are wrestling around on the floor or you see a video of a girl walking down the street and her dog is walking upright next to her dressed to mimic her outfit?

The faces you witness on these videos give birth to more ahh moments than grandparents standing in a maternity unit gazing upon their new grandchildren.

So it begs the question, if we have a way to eliminate the insanity we’re experiencing in our lives by simply looking at more precious puppies, kittens and ducks, why aren’t we?

Perhaps we are, but the news seems to destroy any good vibes they may deliver. And perhaps the messages in these videos are being ignored.

What is the good of oohing and ahhing over a puppy if the next minute you turn on the insanity?

If you need proof that Americans are depressed check out all the food videos on Instagram and Tik Tok.

We are obsessed with food which is a definite indication we need serious soothing and comforting.

Anyone who doubts my thesis that nastiness reigns supreme need only look at the comments on social media. Suddenly everyone has an opinion and they are excited to share it with anyone foolhardy enough to pay attention.

People who rant and rave about subjects with which they are totally ignorant and uneducated just run at the mouth with nasty comments. They espouse theories from outer space and call out anyone that may disagree with their limited perspectives and knowledge in the most heinous of ways.

If I want to know about the Theory of Relativity I’d probably ask an Astro Physicist. And if I didn’t like his answer, I’d have to admit he knows more than I about these things so I’d defer to his knowledge.

Where once we respected those that spent years training and educating themselves about topics we cared very little about, some actually now believe their limited knowledge is vast enough to decry and defame experts.

It’s also the way they express these theories. Not in a rational and conversational tone, but with anger and personal attacks more vicious than a Pitbull that has been taunted and unfed for a week.

I am a firm believer in the first amendment, in fact I’m rather rabid about it being a journalist, so I truly believe anyone has the right to say and think whatever they want. And I have the right not to listen.  They just don’t have the right to make up their own facts, figures or scientific evidence and insult others viciously.  

I don’t even mind so much that those who add to the conversation aren’t qualified to do so, it’s their right and prerogative, but could we at least contribute in a civilized way. It’s okay to disagree, even a good thing. Yet, I’ve found it to be my experience when engaged in a civilized conversation with someone with a different opinion, I’ve been moved many times to embrace their argument and have changed my view. Being open minded is one road down the positive path to self-discovery.

I’ve never believed someone with whom I disagree is my enemy. Yet that is the prevailing attitude with these social media trolls. Have you seen the puppies and kittens playing together? Hugging and licking one another? I thought they were supposed to be natural enemies.

Well maybe we were all wrong, there is no such thing as a natural enemy, only those you choose to make one.

These cute animal videos are a feel-good moment in the day. They bring a smile and a warm feeling to our hearts. Such a refreshing and welcome change after all the nastiness we are subjected to in our daily lives.

It’s difficult to be upbeat when the world goes around growling at one another. When hating seems to be the national pastime and calling people with whom you disagree your enemy instead of a friend with a different opinion.

How sad is it when the animal kingdom is now forced to show us what it means to be human and exercise love and kindness toward a fellow creature?

I’m not standing on a soapbox here and trying to Pollyanna this conversation into one of those let’s all love one another and kumbaya.

I’m quite realistic about how difficult life has become and how far we’ve moved past love thy neighbor and peace love and rock n roll.

Yet if we all took a moment in our day to watch some pussycats playing with puppies or a rabbit hugging a German shepherd, it might slow our heart rate and bring a moment of Zen into our lives.

We all seem to need a reminder that life, even with all its challenges can be beautiful. That despite the bad things that befall us, it’s up to us to try and create happy moments for ourselves and those we love.

As difficult as it may be sometimes to push oneself away from the night into the sun, once we do we are so happy we made the effort.

If viewing a few more warm and loving animal videos can remind us to try, I say watch, watch, watch!