Interning at a news station opens your eyes to things you don't normally see. Every day we report on different crimes and killings throughout the parishes of East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and many more. Sometimes it's hard to handle, but the thing about working in the media is that we can't let the emotions get to us because that's our job, and we have to get the story done.
What's hard for me to realize is these brutal killings are happening multiple times a week. People are beginning to be so heartless. Moms, dads, sons, daughters, and friends are all being taken away. Most of these murders aren't even solved because no one wants to be the one to snitch. No one wants to deal with retaliation. Some are drive by shootings with no motive. Some are drive by shootings with a motive. It's different every time, and that never makes it any easier.
This next generation is changing. And not in a good way. Our world is becoming more violent. Children are growing up in violent neighborhoods and often look up at those who encourage the violence. Those children see that it's okay and so they end up carrying out those same actions.
How will this world be in 10 years? Honestly, I really don't want to know. It scares me. I don't want to be scared of the world I live in, and that's how it's beginning to be. I don't want to raise a family that is constantly surrounded by violence. But at the same time, I don't want to teach my children that this is a perfect world that will never hurt you. This world will bring you down if you let it.
It's so important for everyone to advocate for peace. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. Just this past Thursday, Lafayette had to go through the terrible tragedy of a movie theater shooting. With two dead and nine injured, the community was rocked by a man who took away life and who took away the innocence of Lafayette. People are now scared to go to the movies and that's not right.
I know the world is bad, but we should let the good shine brighter. Maybe, if we stopped focusing on all the bad, the world would look a little less terrible.