Shootings, threats, race wars, and all else that is seen on the news across America, and the world, in the evenings. A constant presence of hate for "those people" - people who are different than yourself. In a time when the media is so present because of Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and the Internet altogether, it's easy for us to look out and ask ourselves, "What has happened to the world?" When we were little, our parents let us run through the neighborhood streets until the street lights came on, but what will we do with our kids? It's time for a pivot away from violence, hate, and despair. It's time for us to say 'No' to the way that life is today and to turn back to peace, love, and unity.
In just the first six months of 2016, over 200 Americans have died in mass shootings. These are people who you grew up with, neighbors in college, the local police officer. The average American is becoming more and more fearful of walking to their car alone at night - and for sound reason. It seems like every day there is another threat or shooting in the US. A week ago we all celebrated our country's independence with so much joy and enthusiasm, but, now, we are pointing our fingers at who is "to blame" for the increasing issues in American society. And while these issues are becoming more apparent, more serious, more fatal, we are losing compassion for our fellow countrymen.
It's so tiring to watch video after video, read article after article, about how this race is always targeting this race. Well, this isn't about race. This is about American blood being shed every day because of a lack of compassion, a lack of understanding, and trigger-happy fingers. It's heartbreaking to get on Twitter or to flip on Channel 12 and see another American - White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, civilian, officer - dead. "Hating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong." Regardless of race or occupation or age, we should mourn for any American losing their life. With new gun laws, guns are around more than they used to be, but I don't view this as the problem. This problem comes down to the heart of Americans. We are so unified in times of celebration, yet turn our backs to each other when a dispute comes up.
Recently, I had someone tell me that sometimes we have to say, "No. I will not stand for this. I refuse to believe that this is just how things are today." That is such a big statement that I think people are feeling uncomfortable saying. But take a step back and look at America. We shouldn't be okay with all of the hate, fear, and heartache of today. There shouldn't be innocent people dying. There shouldn't be death threats on the people who serve to protect our lives. There shouldn't be a war among our neighbors. Our country has the power to change the world, but only if we ourselves do not self-destruct. The United States is a leader, but lately, Americans have been acting like selfish barbarians. Today is not some kind of twisted Survivor or The Hunger Games in real life. We have been gifted life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, yet we choose to destroy the lives and liberties of others. We have lost sight of the greatness of America, and in it's place we have started an ever-growing game of survival of the most selfish.
After months of increased violence, I can't stand to watch our society crumble beneath my feet. This can't be our world. I refuse to believe that all of the hatred between Americans who used to call each other 'brother' is now our normal. Enough is enough. It's time to say 'no' to the war within our states. Let's support one another with peace, love, compassion, and understanding.
