With the horrible events that have happened this past week in Orlando I was not only shocked once again at what mankind is capable of, but I came to a realization that still baffles me even after I've thought about it for days: I feel safer in London, where I've only been for two weeks, than at home in the states. That realization frightens me because I should be nervous not knowing where I am in this huge city, yet I feel right where I belong. But when I'm home I look over my shoulder everywhere I go, watching and staying on guard.
One reason I feel this way is because it is so much safer over here in England that it is in America. In America the police carry guns, and in recent years they have abused their power with them, but in England, the police do not carry guns. If backup is needed, then police with guns show up, but the first reaction to them is not violence, it's trying to work the situation out. This system over here works, the police are very different here than in the states.
Another reason is that gun violence is not a problem here like it is in America. So far this year, we've already had over two hundred shootings happen, which is nerve wracking. What if I get put into this situation? What if one of my loved ones gets hurt or dies because of someone with a gun that isn't in their right mind? The gun violence in America right now is scary, and it needs to be dealt with. England, on the other hand, hasn't had a shooting since 2012 in which killed 12 and injured 11.
Whenever I go to the same Walmart I always do I don't feel safe. In parking lots, I don't feel safe. At the gas station, I don't feel safe. In my own apartment I lock my door all the time, yet I still shut and lock my bedroom door at night. I make sure I am aware everywhere I go and I locate the nearest exit in restaurants, stores, and movie theaters. I hate that I feel so unsafe in my own home country, but feel extremely safe in a foreign and new country.
