Let's Stop Being Indifferent | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Let's Stop Being Indifferent

My heart goes out to all victims and their families and friends in the wake of these recent terror attacks.

91
Let's Stop Being Indifferent
National Candle Association

We’ve grown indifferent, numb to others’ suffering. We hear of yet another tragic news story, and we carry on with our lives without so much thought.

On May 31, 2017, over 80 people were killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul, Afghanistan. On May 22, 2017, 22 people died as a result of an act of terrorism outside of a concert venue in Manchester, United Kingdom.

I’m not writing this article to upset anyone or bring anyone’s day down. I understand that it’s difficult to talk or even think about something so negative. I’m writing this because we need to understand that those numbers you see are not just numbers or body counts. They represent lives, real human lives. Think about your own life and the lives of your family and friends. Think about how precious and significant those lives are. Now, think about those 80 lives lost in Kabul and those 22 lives lost in Manchester. Don’t those lives seem so much more significant now?

We have grown accustomed to seeing sad stories in the news. We stare at numbers and figures like they’re nothing. We forget that these victims had beating hearts, families, hopes and dreams. We forget that their lives may not have been too different from our own. We forget that 80 and 22 are actually extremely large numbers when it comes to human lives. A senseless act of terrorism cut these victims’ lives short, and that is something I can’t seem to shake.

We shouldn’t be numb to tragedy just because it occurs so often in this day and age. I’m not saying we should all hold personally organized memorials for each individual that has passed due to a terror attack or grieve for each individual so deeply that we cannot go on with our own days. All I’m saying is that we should take time out of our days to remind ourselves that this is not normal. This is not okay. Something needs to be done about this. Now, I’m a college student. It is not my place to decide what needs to be done. I’ll leave that up to our world leaders. All I know is that the Islamic State needs to be wiped off the face of this Earth.

What about us, the individual civilians? What should we do? First and foremost, we must be able to remember these victims as well as carry on with our daily lives. We cannot allow ourselves to think for a second that these tragedies are “just more sad news stories” or events that cannot be prevented. We cannot dismiss the lives of these victims as just numbers on our television screens. However, we also cannot halt our daily lives to mourn for these victims. We cannot fear going outside and doing things we love because of these terror attacks. We should continue taking risks each day. We should value every moment of our lives and the lives of our families and friends. We should live without fear and enjoy each breath.

I understand that this piece was not very uplifting. I understand that most of us would rather focus on the good, which is what we should be doing. We should definitely focus on the good, but that doesn’t mean we should completely ignore the bad. We should never grow indifferent.

My condolences go out to all those affected by terror attacks recently. My heart breaks for each and every one of you. I cannot promise that things will get better or easier, but I can promise to never forget or ignore the pain you have experienced. I will never grow indifferent.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

445559
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

19071
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

42903
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

22144
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

322533
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments