I saw a post online recently that made me chuckle.
It went something like this: “Sometimes I feel guilty about all the doomscrolling I do. But, in my defense, have you seen the quality of the doom recently?”
Ain’t that the truth.
Holy hell is there some quality doom to be scrolled these days.
I doubt I need to tick off the list for you, but it’s lengthy, typically highlighted by whatever Trump did or said that day, immigration raids, and a pair of wars.
And, not that you haven’t noticed, but it’s hotter than hell. Which reminds me, did I mention it’s hurricane season and the impending global doom brought on by climate change?
In short, the world is a literal and figurative hot mess.
So, what do I do to escape?
Fortunately, I have two young children who are, thankfully, immune to the world crumbling down around them. Having kids also means a children’s show or movie is probably on my TV at all hours of the day (don’t judge me!).
It also means being immersed in the world of Disney or Nickelodeon. A world of talking animals that sing cheerful songs and superheroes who save the day.
“So, what are we watching?” I ask my 8-year-old, Vivi.
“‘Frozen,’” she responds.
That’s nice. Ice princesses and a talking snowman will certainly lift my spirits.
Wait! What happens in the first 10 minutes? The sister is almost killed, both their parents die in a shipwreck and the other magical sister is locked in a friggin room for 10 years.
“Uh, Vivi, do you mind if we change it to something else? How about something from my youth? Let’s watch ‘The Neverending Story’”.
Nothing like the warm embrace of nostalgia to make the world around you disappear.
Huh. This scene with the swamp looks familiar. Doesn’t something happen here?
Oh, crap.
Not the horse. Don’t kill the horse. Not Artax!
“Vivi, hurry up and change it to a Pixar movie? Hurry, hurry, hurry.”
“Sure. How about ‘Up’? The one with balloons?” she responds.
“Yeah, yeah, whatev … . Wait!” … “Is that the one where the old man’s wife dies in the first 5 minutes? How about a TV show instead? ‘Bluey.’ Let’s go with ‘Bluey.’”
For those not familiar with “Bluey” (how is that possible?), it’s a cartoon about a family of Australian dogs. It’s quite possibly the most wholesome show on the planet and is actually pretty entertaining for adults.
She puts on an episode called “Onesies.”
Perfect, I think. Finally, something to escape this dystopian reality.
The aunt visits and gives Bluey’s sister, Bingo, a onesie. Bingo is happy. Happy is good.
Wait! What’s happening? Why is the aunt sad?
Oh, no. She’s struggling with infertility and is depressed by not being able to have the same kind of family.
What the hell, Australia? Not cool. You let me down.
“Uh, Vivi, do you mind …”
“Ugh. Not again,” she interrupts. “Fine, how about we watch ‘Bambi’ or ‘The Land Before Time’ or ‘Toy Story 3’?”
“You know what. Never mind,” I say. “Watch whatever you like. I’m going to take a walk.”
Besides, I think there is some quality doom calling my name. I mean, there has to be a cute dog video mixed in that scrolling somewhere, right?
Chris George is the executive editor of the Tampa Bay Beacons. When he’s not doomscrolling, he can be reached at cgeorge@tbnweekly.com.