Top benefits to using the news. Yes, even at a time like this.

A valued friend asked me this week, "What are the benefits to staying informed about the news, even when you have the privilege to turn away?" 

It's again pertinent this week with the death of another Black man as the direct result of police force...which, btw, apparently is only showing up in some news coverage with headlines like, "Confused Taser for a Gun."  (Talk about burying the lead!  Link at bottom if you haven't come across this yet in your news feed and want to know more).

My friend's question was referencing the reality that many people do not have the privilege of ignoring the news, because in order to stay vigilant (and hopefully safe) as a Black family, they have to stay aware of the state of the community and country around them. 

In contrast, I, as a White person, could generally "tune out" or "disconnect" for days, weeks, or longer...it's a privilege that not everyone has.

Well, it's a great question. 

A few weeks back your email from me included some ways to really be intentional and strategic in consumption of news, in effort to limit the negative effects.  (If you missed this and would like to see it, just let me know and I'm happy to resend it to you so you don't have to go digging).  

What I didn't highlight at the time was the benefits to tending to the news at all.

Personal benefits of following the news, even if you're someone who doesn't have to:

The biggest benefit, to me personally, is the types of conversations and relationships that result from my awareness.  

To illustrate, I'd like to share a separate, brief story...

Recently, one of my neighbors passed away unexpectedly.  We were friendly whenever we'd cross paths, although we did not know each other well personally.  

After his death, my spouse talked to his widow on a couple brief occasions.  When I'd ask how she was holding up, he'd share, "She seems fine, she's doing well."  

When I saw her for the first time as she was working out in her garden, I, too, paused and asked how she was doing.  We proceeded to engage in a genuine conversation in which she shared about the very real grief, challenges, and impact on her life and family.

What was the difference?

Certainly, influences like timing, setting, or fluctuations in emotions could also make a difference in the tone and substance of this conversation.  However, this has happened enough times in our history that I credit awareness as the doorway to the different conversations that unfold.

I experience the same benefit in conversations and relationships on topics of unjust, disproportionate, and tragic mistreatment (including deaths) of people with Black or Brown skin. 

When we have awareness - awareness of the latest news, current events, and historical context, we are able to approach our conversations and relationships differently. 

With awareness and knowledge, we can show up not only with a different question or comment...tone, facial expressions, body language, and what we attune to are all impacted.  Our readiness and ability to respond compassionately is heightened.  

Awareness has formed and strengthened many of my most cherished relationships - with friends, colleagues, and family.  

Additionally, the benefit to being informed when having these discussions with people who continue to justify, minimize, or defend the traumas cannot be over-stated. 

Being informed allows thoughtful questions, observations, and reflections that can be targeted for the moment and circumstance.

The biggest benefit on a community level is informed change-making.  

How can we really figure out what's needed, where to direct our money, our time, our energy, our efforts if we don't have a good sense of what's going on and what's going so, so wrong?  

If we don't stay aware of what's going on, it's too easy to lose focus, have unchecked perceptions, or ping-pong in and out of overwhelm and inaction.

We are most effective when we are informed, know what is happening, who it is happening to, and what is being done (or not done) about it.  

Transparency moment!!!  I am certainly not perfect at this.  As I mentioned before, there are some days where I have to ask someone to fill me in on what I need to know or follow to continue being more active and functional rather than reading the news myself.

And, it truly is an unearned privilege to even have a choice.  

There's a balancing act here - just as we've been talking about with our nervous system - continually finding ways back to our calm, connected, safe state so that we can continue to show up as our most effective selves and make a difference in the relationships and world around us.  

Like many things, it is not all or nothing...  

It is being intentional and strategic, and remaining focused with gratitude on the benefits and opportunities for staying informed while mitigating the sensationalist and sometimes derailing effects of the news.

For an overview about the recent death of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, MN, here's one option: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/how-veteran-officer-could-have-mistaken-glock-taser-fatal-shooting-n1263976

The news can have some more hopeful stories, too! Here's one I was inspired by this week: https://www.cbs46.com/california-county-to-return-beach-property-taken-from-black-family-during-the-jim-crow-era/article_29b86610-3fa5-5ba0-b05e-a145be7ebb6d.html

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.