Over the past year, it seems as if tragedy has struck in every tiny corner of our beautiful world. One would expect to see people reaching out to the victims of those tragedies. We would expect people to be decent and compassionate toward them. However, what I've seen is an overwhelming case of victim blaming. The dire lack of love and care for those precious human beings deeply disturbs me. Why can't we end it?
When did any of this become okay? Why do we point fingers at victims of tragedy? Why don't we actually attempt to help them? I am tired. I am absolutely disgusted with all of the inhumanity and indifference. I'm sure all of you have heard about the Brock Turner case by now. Many of the comments I've heard in response include, "That girl shouldn't have been in a position where that could happen" or "She shouldn't have been drinking" and the worst of all, "It's her fault". Regardless of how you feel about alcohol, you shouldn't blame her. Would it have been less likely for her to get raped if she was not drinking? Possibly, but it could have happened to anybody. Regardless, I am tired of living in a society that teaches "don't get raped" instead of "don't rape". We should remember that the actual legal crime was rape, not drinking. Can we focus on that please?
Let's talk about the tragedy in Orlando. Similarly, I have heard so many people say, "They shouldn't have been in that gay club. They wouldn't be dead if they hadn't been somewhere they shouldn't be." Really? What about the victims of 9/11? They were innocently at work or in the area, and they were victims of radical terrorism as well. My point is, it is not their fault.
Can we all just take a moment to mourn these human beings? Details are important, but I think we're getting a little carried away in focusing on them. Let's look at the big pictures. Human beings were tragically murdered. Our human beings. Americans. Let's reach out to them and help their families and friends. I'm sure they don't appreciate the pointing fingers. How does that make us look?
I really appreciate what the Chick-fi-A corporation did in response to the Orlando shooting. This restaurant has always been adamant about being closed on Sunday. However, shortly after the shooting, they opened their doors to prepare food for the first responders and all who were donating blood to the victims...on a Sunday. THIS is the type of humanity and love and compassion I want to see everyone bestowing on victims of a tragedy. Instead of blaming and focusing on what could have been or their lifestyles or choices, let's focus on the fact that they are actual human beings, human beings who need help.
Please stop the victim blaming. Let's strive for a world of peace.
It starts with you.
