Jump to content
Grief Healing Discussion Groups

Food For Thought


Amy Wamy

Recommended Posts

So, I was reading Mary's post about Madonna Badger who lost her three children and both parents in a house fire on Christmas Day, in 2011. There's a TED talk she did that you can watch here, and you can read the article that she wrote about it, here; I recommend you have a look at both as her story is, quite frankly, unimaginable.

After looking at both, a question came to mind: "How profound do our "stories" have to be to make them deemed "share able"?

I feel that today's media want the most unbelievable, harrowing stories because they will get the most "hits" or views etc. Many people choose to share their stories, but only the ones that are told by celebrities, or very high-up people, actually get attention.

In my opinion, everyone's story is unique and if they want to share it, then brilliant. it's just with situations like people losing everything in a hurricane, an earthquake or a tornado, makes their losses a little bit more significant than say someone that just lost a mother to cancer.

Under the TED talk link, Mary did say this "Do not allow her loss to minimize your own. Every loss is different and unique to each person. Just absorb what she learned about grief. I truly relate to the nerve being severed and without skins. It is just how huge losses feel." This is absolutely right, her story is no less painful or unimportant than mine or yours. I just think if I decided to post my story somewhere, it would get less attention than a story like Madonna Badgers. Would I want it to get attention? I would if it could help someone going through something similar, or made that person feel like they aren't alone, and that someone else actually understands how she is feeling or has felt.

It would be interesting to hear what you all think of my question. Maybe it's an absurd question, but I'm just putting out there.

Thanks for reading!

Amy :-)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"How profound do our "stories" have to be to make them deemed "share able"?

The answer to your question is probably dependent on who is asking it and to whom it is being asked. If someone here is sharing a story, its "share ability" is not based on how profound it is but rather on the person's desire or need to share it.

I do know the media likes sensationalism. However, Madonna's story shared as it was on Supersoul Sunday today certainly is not in that category. I agree that many stories do not get attention and that one like Madonna's does because it is unusual and tragic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"How profound do our "stories" have to be to make them deemed "share able"?

The answer to your question is probably dependent on who is asking it and to whom it is being asked. If someone here is sharing a story, its "share ability" is not based on how profound it is but rather on the person's desire or need to share it.

I do know the media likes sensationalism. However, Madonna's story shared as it was on Supersoul Sunday today certainly is not in that category. I agree that many stories do not get attention and that one like Madonna's does because it is unusual and tragic.

I completely agree with you.

I also like your use of the word "sensationalism", and it's true. Whatever they can do to get more attention - which for them equals more money - they will do it.

I watched the Super Soul Sunday interview today, and I really enjoyed it. The strength that Madonna has gained from this horrible tragedy is incredible. Love, I suppose, is the greatest healer. We all seek some sort of love and without it life is almost impossible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I definitely feel that it has to be a gut wrenching story but really, its only got their attention until something "worse" or more "tragic" comes along. Ill definitely have to read/watch her video but sadly I have to wait until after class -.- lol.

I also have to agree with you when you say that our stories wouldnt get as much attention as someone like her. I cant imagine losing that many people and I dont know how she goes on because some days I cant get myself out of bed. And no, I dont necessarily want attention either but for me, I need to write it out and poor out my feelings to strangers because I feel like people I know wont understand or arent helping me like I need it. And for those who are new to loss, I want them to know that how they feel is normal! But heck, I still want some attention so I can get the help I need!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yet when we're sharing our story with someone who has lost someone, I think it has that sharable quality. I remember a few months after my husband died, going to a women's conference in Portland, and one of the speakers shared how she lost her husband...she related the whole experience (I think it was a boating accident but can't remember the details). I'd never heard of this person before, but her story had meaning for me because we both shared the same loss...our husbands. It helped me to see that she was continuing with her life even though she missed her best friend and soul mate, it encouraged me that maybe I could do the same.

I think each of our stories has sharability...maybe the media wouldn't be interested, maybe it's not sensational enough or we aren't famous, but we have a message to offer and can do so whether one on one or to an audience.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...