In one of my classes, we were talking about market segments.  There's a website that allows you to enter your zip code, to "get your neighborhood's top five segments, along with some descriptive detail about each segment's lifestyle traits."

Naturally, I wanted to see what it would say about my hometown, and some of the surrounding area.  And, well, shucks!  Apparently I live in Hicktown, USA.  Its most prominent segment was "Shotguns & Pickups."  In contrast to everything said about this portion of society, I feel compelled to say that rednecks they may be, but they aren't all bad.  They're, for the most part, good, honest people who you don't feel bad about having as your neighbors.  They're the ones who will bake you a pie, and welcome you to the neighborhood.  They're also the ones who have a truck, and don't mind coming to pull you out when you're stuck in your driveway full of snow. 

Sure, they might be a bit rough around the edges, but who are we to judge? 

Tonight I watched Control Room, a documentary about Al Jazeera's coverage on the war.  One thing that was repeated throughout the film was it isn't like our (American) media portrayed.  I can understand that; according to journalistic standards, you target your audience.  You do it truthfully, but you target them. 

With that in mind, what is truth?  I know it's a widely discussed and pondered topic, but it's so compelling.  I've been thinking about it for nearly two decades (since I wasn't thinking about it as a baby).  When in need of thought, this is a highly recommended topic!

Wake up!  Wake up!  Wake up!  Something is happening in the world, and you are still sleeping.  Wake up!

This is what one of the Al Jazeera managers said.  I think he has a valid point; there are things in the world going on, and we aren't even aware of them.  The question is, are we unaware of them by a lack of caring, ignorance, or preoccupation?

All of them can be changed, surely.  However, as was brought up in this documentary, we forget so quickly.  It's true.  We forget the pain, we forget seeing the injured and dead.  Scars fade.  I think it's better that way, sometimes.   If we are constantly reminded of hurt, sadness and broken lives, it will consume us.  I want to change the world.  I want to make things better for someone, anyone.  Yet, I still drive by people standing in the rain, holding a sign, saying that anything will help.  I still buy myself gum, soda, and chocolate.  It's the American way. 

It's this kind of everyday hypocrisy that drives me insane.  Yet I'm as guilty as anyone else.  But... the truth will set you free.  There are some things that are undeniably true.  If any man is hungry, let him eat.  If any man is thirsty, give him a drink.  On basic ethical questions, we know what the right answers are... but even those are difficult to abide by at times. 

The United States is going to stop the United States... I have faith in their Constitution, in their people. 

This is what another journalist said, when questioned about who would stop the United States, as he was upset (rightfully so) about civilian deaths. 

The point is not to criticize the American media (though they are far from objective), nor to praise Al Jazeera, but to consider where information comes from... and how we determine its truthfulness.