Warning: Money May Be Harmful to your Health |
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| Recent shows like “Survivor” and “Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire” have been great “successes” to the television industry in capturing a large audience and making a profit. Unfortunately, I think there may be great harm to the hearts and souls of all participants, viewers and viewed alike. | ||
| At what expense does one stop to make a financial profit? What does this entertainment craze say about the value of spiritual and moral integrity in our society? What emotional sacrifices are made to “win” dollars? | ||
| While I am not a viewer of either show, I have reactions to hearing about them that I would like to share. In my work, I help people feel good about the choices they have made. I help them forgive their mistakes. I help them accept and integrate the traumas they have experienced. I help them find value in themselves for being good, caring, people. I wonder what psychological sequel a will come to us as a society for getting so caught up with shows that make money and material rewards the highest priority. | ||
| I understand that in the show, “Survivor,” only one member will eventually win a million dollars, barbecued dinners, and other rewards. Some teamwork is required, but ultimately, one by one, each one gets eliminated for some random reason so that only one person is left to “win.” It frightens me that a parent will sacrifice being away from their family for weeks at a time just for the chance to win a million dollars. Is this the only way to get more money for the good of the family? Is it for the good of the family? What does it say about being together as the main factor and finding other ways to make it? What about voting against one another in the spirit of greed? Only one winner is the known rule. So, if all end up unexpectedly rewarded for being on this show, each participant has to live with knowing that money was their driving force to rationalize their behavior. | ||
| This show won’t let someone die. They would be sued. The country is watching. Therefore, the participants are not working for true survival, but for a million dollars. When people really do survive traumatic experiences that threaten their life, almost any behavior directed towards surviving is understandable. We are wired to survive. Sexual and physical assault victims must not always “fight” if they wish to stay alive. In war, work camps, or confinement, we will do things we would not ordinarily do in order to make it. In extreme conditions, people will turn to eating grubs, bugs, their own pets and even other humans who have not survived in order to live. Under these circumstances, survival justifies those behaviors. | ||
| Life is a gift to cherish. What happens to our conscience if we turn against one another just for the chance to make money? Is it worth it? | ||
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This article was written by Dr. Laurel A. Sills, a Fully Licensed Clinical Psychologist (since 1987) and Life Coach. She provides direct, down-to-earth, short-term therapy with long-term results. She is passionate in her work and will help you stay motivated to change your life with regular commitment to changing habits in thinking and behaving. See her website at: www.DrLSills.com or www.BuildAStrongerYou.com |
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Copyright 2006© Laurel A. Sills, Psy.D. All rights reserved Back to Articles |