My diary is inspired by a diary by another new member who wrote: Fox News - Clear and Present Danger to America.
The diary was about parents clearly brainwashed and addicted to Fox News. And with any addiction, their personalities changed for the worst.
Alot of the comments were from people who knew a family member addicted to Fox as well and how they changed.
I have a response to many of you who are dealing with Fox addiction.
Many of you have commented that you avoid your family and when you are with them avoid discussing politics and the effects of Fox News.
I don't think avoiding the subject is a good thing. You watch helplessly as they sink lower and lower into a world of bitterness, hate and anger. It hurts to see your once loving family member becoming this way. Losing their essence.
As with any addiction, avoiding the problem does not help.
A woman who watched her once open minded, loving, cheerful father change before her eyes into someone she did not know, wrote an article call: 'How I Lost My Dad to Fox News'.
http://www.salon.com/...
She went on to make a film about her dad and Fox.
My dad watches Fox but, because he has a very busy social life, he never got addicted. His personality remains the same. I also don't think his wife would allow him to become that way. This is his second marriage and her daughter works for a lawyer active in the democratic party. Nor would his kids allow it. We would definitely intervene if that was to happen. 5 kids, all liberal. And he hangs out alot with my younger brother who would not allow that to happen.
I would suggest you guys try something to make them turn off Fox for 2 weeks. Like the commenter who said her sister was coming from Iowa to visit for a week. I would just not let her watch Fox news. Let her know you love her but, you are worried about the awful effect Fox is having on her. And for that week you would like her to not watch Fox. Make a bet with her. She goes all week without Fox and you buy her lunch as a reward.
I think alot of you could make bets with family. If there is something they want, like that pair of shoes, that drill, ect. you will get it for them if they turn off Fox for 2 weeks. Or you take them out to dinner at their favorite place.
I would say something like prove you wrong. Turn off Fox for two weeks. If nothing changes then fine. You were wrong. But, if the anger and hate subsides, their personality starts returning to normal, then you were right.
I am not saying it will work but, at least you are doing something pro active. You are trying to help them instead of feeling helpless.
Sometimes you just have to bring out in the open and be creative in finding a way to help.
Anyway, that is my two cents.
8:28 AM PT: I should have added that my mother had Lewy Body dementia for 3 years before she passed away of breast cancer this past spring.
I know what it is like to watch a person you love have their personality and humor, their very essence, disappear.