What's Going On?
By: Sophia Ward BrewerDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editors' views or any agency, organization, or employer. Based on my experience, research, and knowledge, my statements are in good faith and are only for informational purposes. Please research and follow up on all claims for yourself.
What's going on? Keeping up with today's news cycle is like drinking water from a fire hose. It is so much, and it's tough to keep up. The trending news this week includes:
•Drive-byshootinginGrandRapids, one dead, one seriously injured
• A 16-year-old, Ralph PaulYarl, was shot twice after knocking on the wrong door in Missouri.
• Also, in Missouri, StateReps pull the funding for libraries out of the budget,
•Women's reproductive rightsand medications risk being repealed and banned.
•Leaders in Oklahomawererecorded as they lamented about lynching Black people and murdering journalists.
• Red states are targetingDEI programs, banning books, and trying to shut down libraries.
• Gun violence is on the rise as Summer approaches
•Ten shootings left five deadin Detroit, etc.These are just a few of the stories that are flooding our news cycles. The endless violence, tragedies, and issues are heartbreaking and depressing. All of these things are a part of our daily reality.
While listening to the radio this past weekend, the DJ played Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Before he played it, he gave a rundown of the political and social climate in the U.S. when Gaye recorded the song. His historical introduction to the song drew men in. So, I listened intently. It's not like I don't know the song or have paid attention before; it's just this time I meditated on the words. Then I went to the Internet and YouTube to learn more about this album.Recorded in 1971, the album and titled track "What's Going On" featured songs addressing that time's political and social issues. In interviews, Gaye said his brother Frank was just back from Vietnam and struggling to fit into society. He was sensitive to police brutality and the shooting of the students a Kent State University in Ohio by the Ohio National Guard. He had recently gone through a divorce and lost his close friend and duet partner, Tammi Terrell, to cancer, and he wanted to record something that had meaning. The entire album is a masterpiece that addresses many social issues, such as war, poverty, police brutality, and environmental degradation.
I know that many of you already know how great Gaye's music is... and I am here to say that this album spoke to my soul this week. And I needed it. Just thinking about all the losses, trouble, tragedy, fighting, and political unrest is tiring. Gaye addressed many of these issues on this album. However, the smooth melody of the music, combined with its powerful and thoughtprovoking lyrics, encouraged me to reflect on the state of the world and consider ways I can contribute to positive change.
Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" got me through this week, so how are you coping? We are getting so much bad news that we must find ways to deal with the barrage of negative information but also stay informed and engaged. One way is to make a conscious effort to expose ourselves to positive stories and accounts of resilience. I was glad to learn that Ralph Paul Yarl survived despite being turned away by people who refused to help him after he was shot. God is so Good.
In conclusion, we must acknowledge the challenges we face today while also taking steps to maintain our mental and emotional well-being. Try to implement healthy coping strategies and listen to more Marvin Gaye :-); by doing so, we can stay informed and engaged without becoming overwhelmed by the endless stream of negative news. Stay well, my friends.
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoma.
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