It is hard this morning to face a new week. The loss of so many young lives; the loss of so much potential at Sandy Hook was still weighing heavily when word came here in Topeka of the fatal shooting of two police officers in a grocery store parking lot. In both cases the perpetrator appears to have been a young man in his early twenties.
We shake our heads and wonder what these men had within them that would cause or even allow them to commit such heinous acts. Perhaps our time is better spent wondering how we as a society have failed our children overall. Music, movies and video games that objective and dehumanize lives fill our days. Human interaction has been largely replaced by technological communication. Laws are written so that when red flags are recognized in troubled lives, concerned citizens are told there is nothing that can be done until a crime has been committed; and the funding for mental health support is so depleted it may not be there even if a person were directed to it.
When our world is rocked by such violent acts we cry out demanding sweeping change, but there are small changes we can make from within that can lead to greater change. Speak out about the violence that bombards our collective psyche masquerading as entertainment. Demand better alternatives by deliberately withholding financial support from media outlets which produce “entertainment” that dehumanizes segments of society. Turn off electronics while interacting with another person. Engage in conversation, actively listening to the other person. Eat dinner as a family. Read with children. Volunteer in schools. Support the funding of mental health initiatives.
In the aftermath of overwhelming horror like we have recently experienced, it is easy to feel powerless; but each of us holds the power to make small changes. Collectively, the power of our small changes can grow into big change for our world.
As a people we truly do have promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep. Bigger Picture Blogs.
I agree wholeheartedly. I think a lot of our technological advances and the much faster pace of life is detrimental to the lives of the younger generation these days. I see so many adults who caught up in their “grown-up toys” (ipads, iphones, etc.) that they barely take notice of their kids who are also addicted to these devices. No wonder so many people feel so alone and isolated. Tragic and heartbreaking.
Yeah, May. Just yeah. That’s one reason why we are a non-TV family. We have one, but we do not have a family room dedicated to viewing – it’s purpose is news, weather, and movies we choose. While we certainly utilize our technology – no way around that when so much education is done via computer now – we have “off limits” times. These things can all be good, but in appropriate doses and within perspective. That whole sit together as a family thing? We always had it growing up and we intend to keep it that way with our daughter. All those things you said – glad to know we aren’t the only ones who think these are still good, solid values. I think there is a way to marry the “old fashioned” ways with the contemporary lifestyle – the question is what is the right balance .
It’s a bigger issue than any one person can hope to resolve, but I really do think what you said about small changes makes a big difference – has to start somewhere.
It really does. I was working with a group of second graders the other day teaching listening skills. They couldn’t identify how you can tell an adult is listening to you, but you should have heard the list of ways they know they are not being heard. It shook me to think how frustrating it must be to feel you are never listened to. Then within 24 hrs I was hearing the news out of CT and I prayed so hard for the people there and the little kids I know here too.
Hi May,
I shared this one with my facebook friends … I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Thanks, Sheri. This is a week I hope we will never have to repeat.