As I reflect upon the societal advancements and fads that have emerged within the past year, I cannot help but ponder the effect technology has implored on the 21st century. Genetically engineered immune cells potentially saving the lives on cancer patients, Reusable rockets introducing a "new era" to spaceflight, autopilot software updates that make the mere idea of autonomous driving a reality. We cannot forget the simplistic updates, such as wireless Apple products, Hoverboards and the genesis of "Pokémon GO." Our generation soars with innovative minds, fluttering with creative trials to upgrade our abilities.
You see, one might assume there should be nothing but confident cheers to our generations to come, as we clearly are able to function as a nation of increasing knowledge and resources. Right?
Wrong. It has become a struggle to invest excitement in the ameliorations our society has positively conceived, as I wake up everyday hearing and reading about the myriad of hate, injustice and destruction concurring society as we know it.
Whether you watch CNN, read the Chicago SunTimes or simply have spread your love through #PrayforBrussels twitter hashtags, you have been informed of the swelling hatred and acts of violence causing turmoil around the world. There is a complexity in the accumulating detestation that enemies have for one another. War has been utilized as a solution for so many years, that we do not know another way. But wait — what about the destruction that does not get featured in the Tribune nor your Twitter newsfeed? God forbid our technological advancements have not indulged you in all the details yet.
Let's have a hindered recap of 2016 shall we? January, Tel Aviv, Israel shooting: 3 dead, 15 injured. February, Kabul, Afghanistan, Suicide Bombing: 30+ killed, 40+ injured. March, Toronto, Canada: Stabbing of Canadian soldiers. April, Basilian Island, Philippines, Bombing attack: 18+ dead, 52 injured. May, Ramadi, Iraq, Mass execution and genocide: 160+ murdered. June, Orlando, Florida, Shooter pledged ISIS allegiance: 49 killed, 53 injured. July, Dallas, Texas, Shooting of Policemen: 5+ dead, 9 injured. But wait, there is so much more. Every day, an innocent city or human is harmed simply due to somebody's lack of satisfaction with their quaint existence. Well, Happy New Year, because somehow, in a society that is so "upgraded," we are failing in our breeding of humanity and a loving environment.
Moreover, rather than combining desires of peace, and holding hand in hand, as brothers and sisters, we blame one another via aggression and social media. Our technological renaissances will fail to thrive in a generation that fails to accept love before war. It is an overwhelming accomplishment that we are seeking cures for cancer, and developing lifestyle alternatives that make everyday tasks simpler, until we have no more safe land to live our everyday lifestyles upon.
We are not content with the behavior surrounding our civilization, yet we provoke it. Leave it to the machinery and our growing mentalities to let petty disagreements block what should be the peak of our humanity. I believe that each individual can commit to changing their lifestyle of negativity, to one of empathy and compromise. It is our job. This is our generation. This is our earth. We have to be the ones to make the change.
I pledge to promote positivity, and I encourage you to do the same.
