I guess everyone connected to the internet is aware of the craziness that took place in the States a couple of days ago. This event brings up the need to take a fresh look at the way we act in society, the way we treat other people. I'm hoping that the people who mocked and picked on this guy realize their part in this - not that I want them to feel terribly guilty - but because when people mock individuals that they do not understand or who stand out they are further distancing them from the society that they need connection to.
Also, extending a helping hand or directing people to help would be courteous..! What I'm talking about is something as old fashioned as caring enough for others to be bothered to consider what might help them. Basic values.
Sometimes I'm appalled at the way we ignore others, pursuing our own goals and ends..
5 comments:
One wonders why this sort of tragedy is unique to the States alone. Remember Columbine?
Or maybe it happens in other places too but don't receive as much attention as the States.
Naw it happens all over the place. About a decade ago there was a really bad one in Scotland at a place called Dunblane when a guy went in and killed 16 kids and a teacher.
I was in Liverpool at the time and I remember how shocked every one was. The Brits introduuced heavy gun laws as a direct consequence though, something the Americans don't seem to want to do.
Its hard to not believe that the availability of guns isn't a good reason why such massacres are possible. I know guns are only tools and its people who kill people, but still, why leave the option available to these nutters?
Its hard to kill 30 odd people with out a gun.
America doess seem to have a high frequency, and honestly I do attribute it to the way people live and act over there.
Regarding the fact that guns are involved most of the time, I couldn't agree more. I've come across interesting opinions during the last couple of days - pro-arms people saying that "one legally carrying student could have stopped this madness befor he got to kill so many people". They don't seem to get it. If there are guns, people will kill. If you get rid of the guns, people will have a harder time killing other people... and then you don't need a defensive gun at your side.
There will always be freaks around, who do not follow the rules and norms of society (like not killing other people)... So why make it easy (and legal!) for them to get a hold of a gun...
I still think that it for a large part comes down to the way we act in society, me being a blue-eyed idealist and all. If we don't shut our eyes towards the marginalised and excluded, they might not have the urge to do things like this to gain attention and redemption for the contempt they are showed throughout their lives.
Well, as a blue eyed pessimist, I'd have to conclude that these pro gun people are uninterested in any moral argument that threatens to take away their guns and judging by their 'stance' online, I'd say their infatuation was one based on a personal desire to have the power afforded by carrying a gun. A desire most probably based on fear of vulnerability. Thus, I would suppose that guns will remain in the US culture for as long as nothing is done to remove the source of that fear.
unfortunately i think you are very right, moif. perhaps the feeling of fear and the lack of compassion go hand in hand.
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