Political tensions are so high right now, especially with the election coming up. Some people are open to having different political beliefs in their lives. Others are neutral on it and pick their battles. Then, we have those who choose to only embrace people with their political beliefs.
With breaking news death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I hope not to see any celebrations from those who opposed her - though I wouldn't be surprised if it's already happened.
No matter where you stand on this political spectrum (yes, this includes every party), wishing death upon someone makes you just as awful as whoever you see as your foe, or the opposite end.
There are a few instances that come to mind when I think about this. Politically, the most recent death-wishing event involves Donald Trump. His brother, Robert Trump, died in August. While I do not support Donald Trump at all, it was absolutely disgusting to see people say things along the lines of "God, do Trump next." The second instance may probably not be known nationally, but Kaitlin Bennett visited UCF on Sept. 10. This made a very large group of students come together to protest against her, maybe argue with her, and chant that they wanted her off-campus. I don't support her either, but there was this one girl that blatantly told Bennett that she wishes Bennett died.
Yes, those are both instances where the death wish is against conservatives but before anyone goes, "Aha, so the left is the problem" or "It's not fair," let me say that these events stuck out to me because it comes from people with political views similar to mine - or at least closest to mine, I assume, if you are against Trump and Bennett. I know that racists have and will continue to wish death upon those they hate, but I hope for better from those against racism.
Celebrating a death or wishing for someone's death is not funny, does not make you relatable, and does not make you a better person. It's immature and hateful and it does not solve anything. You don't have to tolerate the other side, whatever that may be, but you also don't have to proudly say, "I want them to die." While I admittedly would not feel sadness, I also would not be happy or celebratory. It's no different from a radical right-winger being hateful towards me or someone else on the left.
I don't want this to be mistaken for a message that makes me look like I think life is a flowery path with struggles we all must face together. I know that we have to fight for justice, equality, and peace. I support a protest. I do not support anyone of any party proudly wishing for someone's death.
