Something's Wrong Here

I'm watching CNN. And here's my thought.

Well, actually, two thoughts. First, the 'story' being covered at the moment (on a show called Showbiz Tonight) is a special report called "The Least Shocking Hollywood Divorces: The Ones We All Saw Coming." First of all, I was under the impression that CNN was a reputable news outlet. An hour ago I was watching breaking coverage of the polygamy story out of Texas. You know, the one that can at least be considered socially relevant. My criticism of CNN's sensational reporting aside, I think that coverage of stories like that one can be excused. But how any self-respecting journalist working at a network such as CNN can talk about Pamela Anderson and her numerous divorces with a straight face on national television is completely beyond me.
This brings me to my second point, which pertains to the content in the story itself. When, in the course of American history, did divorce become socially acceptable, and sometimes even encouraged? If I had to answer [my rhetorical question], I would say somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty and fifty years ago. I think it no small coincidence that about this time, the entertainment industry was beginning its emergence into the mainstream consciousness of the American people. When people in unhappy marriages see their favorite actor getting divorced, it somehow becomes less of a moral issue and more of a social one. Perhaps when people begin thinking more introvertedly, they can realize that the sanctity of marriage has the potential to survive more often than it does to fail.
Do a quick Google search for "divorce." You'll find Easy Online Divorce from CompleteCase.com and Online Divorce filing from 3StepDivorce.com. When did what used to be thought of as a taboo within social circles become as easy as three steps? It's all around us. It's become more normal than it used to be abnormal. In high school, I had four of the closest friends I could have ever asked for. Three of those five families were divorced families. Fortunately, all of my friends were relatively young when their parents divorced, and managed to cope with the stresses of a double-family. Not all kids are so lucky. Maybe it's about time that we payed attention to one another, instead of throwing in the towel before we take the time to break a sweat.

A letter.

Dear God,

It's been a while, huh? Not sure if you're into blogs or not, but here we go...

I'd just like to thank you for a few things. First and foremost, my family. I took them for granted for a long time, but spending a weekend with them made me remember how much they mean to me. My father is my hero. I'll be so damn lucky if I grow up to be half the man and the parent that he is. Everything I've ever had to be thankful for was given to me by a man who grew up with very little to be happy about. My father grew up in horse barns all over the midwest, essentially raising his two younger sisters and working to survive. He was living on his own in a trailer in Seymour, Indiana, before he had a driver's license. I've heard so many stories about how my dad grew up and can't imagine what it must have been like. Without a high school diploma, he's made something successful out of himself and given a comfortable life to his family. I am more grateful for him than I can ever describe. I have his name, and couldn't be more proud of it.

My mother is a woman who made the best of what she had. She's my free-thinking, rebellious side. She stands up for what she believes in and would gladly die to save me. Thank you for giving me someone who will always remind what's important in life. Both my parents have sacrificed so much time and effort and money and comfort for my brothers and I that I could spend the rest of my life repaying them and still have an open tab. No one should go without parents who love them, and I live every day in debt to the people who have given me everything I have and everything I am. Thank you for my parents.

Sam and Chase are the rest of the equation. Since they were old enough to know what was going on, we have been friends. As we get older, it's easier to see all the things we have in common, even if we don't always acknowledge them. Our similarities far surpass our differences, and I know that will only become more apparent as we get older. I love my brothers for reminding me of everything I had when I was their age. It's easy for me to look at them and remember that time in my life and teach them everything I've learned since then. I want to be a good influence on them, because I know I already am. They look at me and try to be what I am, even if they're not capable of it yet. Thank you for the responsibility of helping them grow up into good people. Thank you for giving me the chance to make the most of myself so that I can help them do the same.

I could not ask for a more loving and supportive family. Everything I've been through, no matter how trying or sad or happy, they are always by my side. I can't have asked for a more loving family and I will always do what I can to let them know that I love them back.



Thanks again. Talk to you soon.

Max

The First of Many...

First post on a new site. Woo!

So here's the skinny on my old blog: I was selected to be the blogger for the Bloomington Ivy Tech Campus in the fall. Pretty cool, right? Yeah, I thought so. But after several posts, I realized that people actually read what I wrote. That's really all a blogger could ask for, but when the people that are reading are complete strangers to me who are just looking for some info about the school, I have a problem opening up. I couldn't think of anything to write about that wasn't too personal or too Ivy Tech related. I had a bit of a dilemma on my hands: Do I write for my audience, and keep a personal tone, or write for their audience and keep it all 100% P.C. and professional? Secondly, I won't be at Ivy Tech for much longer. In the fall I'll be transferring to Ball State University, in the cultural nucleus of the Midwest: Muncie, Indiana (known herein as Funcie). So this is my transition. Just roll with it for now, I promise it'll get better. Hell, I might even write my first 'real' blog right after finishing this one. As a matter of fact, I think I will.

Thanks for visiting. Like I said, I'll post a good one here in a minute or two. Tune in then. Max.