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Do I Need to Know and Care About That Stuff?
Knowing what I need to know and care about is a matter of peace of mind.
Years ago, I stopped watching the news on TV.
However, because I can be civically minded and care to know about the world at large, I still browsed through various news sources online. Often, though, mere browsing turned into deep dives.
I can name many of the people in Congress that I see blatantly working to tear the American democracy apart. I’m aware of destructive and hurtful laws that disempower many people being passed across the country. When it comes to the world stage, I’m aware of ongoing pandemic issues, ignoring the seriousness of climate change, destructive business practices, and various other ugliness happening.
Do I need to know and care about that? On the one hand, yes — because then I can choose what businesses to boycott, charities to give money to, decide if I need to attend protests or rallies, and vote conscientiously.
On the other hand — knowing the names of the people, places, and things — and all the bad therein -makes me feel depressed, angry, anxious, and annoyed.
Apart from boycotting bad businesses, giving to worthy charities, attending protests and rallies, and voting — I can’t do anything…
