When scrolling through my Facebook timeline or my Twitter feed, I cannot ignore the multitude of articles and post regarding the little boy hat was attacked and killed by an alligator in Walt Disney World. In case some readers are unaware of this tragic occurrence, a two year old boy was emerged in the water of a lagoon up to his shins near a Disney World Hotel, preparing to watch the night time fire works with his family. Suddenly, this young boy was pulled underwater by a ferocious alligator. The boy's father and Disney employees bravely fought this vicious creature in attempts to save this little boy's life, yet was unsuccessful. The next morning, the boy was recovered from the water and, tragically, was pronounced dead.
When hearing the story on the news for the first time, I was in utter shock. I could not fathom the horror and pain that poor family must be dreadfully experiencing. Scrolling through Facebook comments about this event, I could not help but be appalled by the numerous nasty comments posted about the parents. "This child did not die from the alligator, this child died from his parent's neglect". "I would have never let this happen to my child". And my personal favorite, "I hope his parents rot in hell".
Well, congratulations Facebook user, your wish surly did come true. That little boy's parents in a living hell right now - they just lost their baby boy. Instead of leaving Disney world with three kids, they are leaving with two. They will be returning home with one less occupied bed room. When they get home, their first obligation will be to pick out a tiny casket for their deceased son. The tremendous amount of pain these parents are unable to be freed from is equivalent to hell.
Although I do not have kids of my own, I know from the love I receive from my parents that this traumatic event must be the worst possible thing to ever happen to this couple. With all the pain the parents and the whole family must be feeling at this moment, they do not need it to be greatened by hurtful comments on social media. In events like these, social media should be used to reach out to the mourning in a helpful and a supportive manner, rather than a hurtful one.
Imagine being in the parent's shoes. With their only hope to be to get away from the intense pain they are feeling for just a minute, would coming across the hurtful comments on Facebook help seize that pain? Now, imagine attending that little boy's funeral. Imagine seeing the little coffin, and imagine seeing numerous pictures of a child who was way too young to die. Imagine the grieving parents in black, paralyzed by everything going around them, not being able to accept the moment they are currently in. Can you really tell yourself that you would go up to those miserable parents, dried tears on their faces, and say the comments you posted on Facebook to their faces? Or would you share your sorrows. I surly hope it is the latter.
Blaming and Shamming does nothing in a tragic situation like this, it only heightens the pain. Some situations are out of one's control, and people need to take a step back and imagine all situations in different perspectives. No one should be trying to bring someone down, only to bring someone up. Besides, we all are only human.
Finally, to the parents, family, and friends of the lost boy:
Do not be mistaken by the hurtful comments found scrolling down your Facebook. Forever know that there around people, from close friends to complete strangers, who have your support. Know that there are a multitude of people praying for you, and wishing you and your family the best. Most importantly, know that this tragdy was not your fault.
