(46 percent) or left out (47 percent).”

While the Cigna study noted that loneliness was prevalent across all races and genders, the loneliness rankings were higher for those residing in homes where the total household income is less than $75,000, very likely indicating a direct connection between poverty and feelings of marginalization and despair.

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When the media shares stories of our victories (not our failings), however ordinary, it celebrates the beauty of our communities, knocks down the false walls of division, and activates our sense of connectedness and compassionate concern for the well-being of others. There is an elegance, grace, and nobility in the ancient tradition of sharing of stories which fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

However, when we never venture out of the comfort zone of our individual communities, and never come to know the beauty of another culture, that can then be reflected at the ballot box when voting for leaders who will have the power to affect or not affect true policy change and dedicated resources for communities in need.
I am advocating for the creation of a new media paradigm which educates, uplifts and promotes social justice and accomplishes this by sharing our stories of celebration and cultural festivals. The old media paradigm, as described by Silas Bent, “Harmony seldom makes a headline.” is unfortunately still relevant and actively promoting feelings of isolation and desperation which will lead to our national undoing.

What is the future of the media? To be directed and led by the powerful forces of anger and deceit? Or to lead with courage, dignity, and a clear moral compass acting as the heartbeat of our nation? Let’s trade social isolation for the expanded social wealth of cultural curiosity, wonderment, and connection.

In this information age, no one should feel excluded from the national cultural narrative that the media helps define every day. Everyone is due the opportunity to learn about and connect with a new community or neighborhood that can be quite literally a short Lyft ride away. We are waiting and watching. Don’t let us down.