Q&A: Broadcasting the Release of the Hostages
Broadcasting the Release of the Hostages
Question
Hello. Every so often I find myself passing by the TV and watching the release of the hostages. A thought occurred to me: is this appropriate? After all, they also broadcast the Hamas ceremony, the intimate meeting with the families, and more. And all of it on loops.
It feels to me close to “porn,” meant to feed people’s hearts, but not really doing kindness for the hostages and the families. Of course, the positive side of all this is a feeling of unity among the Jewish people, and great joy over the release and over the beautiful moments.
Could I ask your opinion on the matter? Is it appropriate to broadcast it, appropriate to watch it, and if so, how much?
Answer
Clearly the media isn’t doing this for the real benefit, but for the pornographic aspect of it. As for the matter itself, I don’t have a position, and I think the question isn’t well-defined. There’s an argument in this direction and an argument in that direction.
Discussion on Answer
No. The topic doesn’t interest me.
Thank you for the quick reply!
Could you expand on the point about the media? What does it actually gain from this (aside from ratings, of course)?
And even if the media’s motives aren’t in the right place, one could argue that the benefit, in terms of unity among the Jewish people, is good and important, and therefore it is proper to broadcast it.
Are there any drawbacks you see in this repetitive and obsessive broadcasting?