To not have the discussion about what has happened in Connecticut
is to be an irresponsible member of society. As a part of this
generation of human existence, we must take responsibility for each and
every person in society, not because we created them, but because we are
them, for better, or in this case, for worse. We cannot take credit for
the innovations in our society without also owning up to the scars we
have suffered.
This
incident is particularly difficult to process. A presumably sane adult
premeditated a mass murder in an unsuspecting elementary school.
This
did not occur in an alleged war zone or third world country overrun by
pirates. This happened in the United States of America in 2012. While we
are at war with tyranny and oppression on foreign soil, we must not
forget about the conflict within our borders.
The
capitalist society has the potential volatility of a brutal society. If
it is the fittest that survive, what becomes of the un-fit? This
presents a most troubling paradigm. Those outcast by the machine can
either whither or embrace the role forced upon them, and rebel. The
problem with rebelling is that there is no predictable outcome. The
result has no concern for society, nor should it. No, the only purpose
is to react, of opposite, but not always equal magnitude.
Who
is to blame for making Adam Lanza this way? Perhaps that is not the
right question. Discovering an answer might appease us, but this is a
selfish notion. This implies the desire to point a finger, wag, and
return to business as usual until the next tragedy. Wash, rinse, repeat.
This is not an acceptable course of action.
Adam
Lanza may well be written off as another insane youth gone awry. Again,
this generalization provides an answer to appease those of us unwilling
or incapable of digging deeper. And though there may not be a clear
answer, that only points to our naivete of the mind rather than the
complexity of it. While the unknown can be frightening, in this case,
apathy is the most terrifying attitude of all.
Let
us not presume, assume, or otherwise project Adam Lanza's motivations,
however unstable or lucid. Let us only empathize with the loved ones of
the deceased, sympathize with the survivors, and reflect on what has
become of us.
To move on without doing so is to disregard that which makes us human.
To move on without doing so is to disregard that which makes us human.
If you ask me, that's what got us in this mess in the first place.
