Like many Americans, I am overwhelmed with emotion by Saturday’s tragedy in Arizona. While the suspect who shot Congresswoman Giffords, Judge Roll and others was mentally disturbed, it’s been mentioned that the anger, hatred and bigotry in this country has spun out of control…and might have had something to do with it.
In fact, Sheriff Clarence Dupnik who was investigating the massacre said, “When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the mecca for prejudice and bigotry.”
I see this type of tragedy and I think…we as humans have a long way to go. We have a lot to learn about fear, anger, blame, and separating truth from ideology. We all perceive the world in different ways, but as long as we have fear and hatred towards each other that cause us to act, think, or speak in destructive ways, we have not made much progress.
For me, hearing about Christina, the 9 year old girl who was shot and killed, was heartbreaking. She was ironically born on September 11, 2001. She had just been elected to her school’s student council, and was interested in government. Her neighbor had brought her there to meet a real member of Congress face-to-face. I can’t imagine how badly that neighbor must feel…and how much her parents wish she hadn’t gone at all. She wasn’t meant to die, and yet because of someone’s fear and anger, she did.
I can’t stop thinking about it, mostly because it didn’t have to happen. I agree with the sheriff…our words definitely have affect on the world, and not always in ways that we expect. This isn’t about censoring people who have something to say…it’s about basic human kindness and understanding….thinking about potential consequences of the things we say. Even if we think we’re right, is it necessary to so bitterly discount the opinions of others who have differing views? Has being right become more important than being tolerant?
I’m hoping for a better 2011. I’m hoping that this tragedy shows us that we have to be better, we must treat each other with more respect. The world needs more kindness and tolerance from everyone. Anger and fear have no place in our future.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
Good post! Cheers for kindness and tolerance.
Good post, not too lengthy and right to the point.
Sadly, tragedies like this will continue to occur so long as the frustration people are feeling is checked and controlled.
Even sadder is the fact that this nutcase, as with the others like him whose actions are heinous and unimaginable, this loser will cower behind mental illness as his defense.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
Hey @MyDatingHangovers, welcome! Thanks for your comments.
This guy does seem to be a total nutjob from what I’ve read, but I have no doubt that flames were fanned by all the crazy talking heads we watch on TV, etc. It seems crazy=ratings=more crazy. When does it stop? There’s no check system right now. I guess I’m just hoping people will try and extend a little tolerance instead of seeing everything so black and white to propel their careers, esp. after this.