Let’s talk about the several incidents that have caused controversy and sparked one too many questions. Each situation was met with a chaotic response from the media and the general public, an array of opposing views and opinions. We feel emotionally and mentally connected because we tend to place ourselves into those situations, asking ourselves, “What would I do?”

Let’s talk about the gorilla who was shot because a young boy fell into the holding. There was a controversy about who to hold at fault, which included a large part of that blame being put on the parents. The argument was simple: the parents should have taken better care of their son, and he wouldn’t have found himself in a dangerous situation that caused the death of a beloved member of the zoo community.

The zoo spoke out and said that the death of Harambe was unavoidable, as they had to think fast about the safety of the boy; they made the boy a priority, and their decision ultimately saved his life.

A life was taken for a life to be saved, and yet the media is still filled with ideas and opinions concerning the death of a gorilla and a lack of a realization that despite this accident, the boy is alive. The parents, no matter how at fault are seen, have their son back. Shouldn’t that be enough?

Let’s talk about Brock Turner’s parents in the Stanford Rape Case. This case has made its impression because it challenges the justice system and its ability to confront cases similar to this one. There have been many cases challenging university policies on rape in the past year, but this specific one caused an uproar against the justice system and responsible judge when Brock was given a six-month sentence, one that was recently reduced to three months.

Brock Turner is, without a doubt, guilty and deserves more punishment than what he was given. His parents came out to fight on his behalf, but completely disregarded his actions and instead focused on who he was as a person.

Parents never want to believe that their children are capable of committing a crime. In this case, Brock Turner’s parents display a sense of determination to completely forget the charges and evidence to support their denial.

Brock Turner is a student and aspiring swimmer, and is acclaimed as a good person overall, but that doesn’t change the facts that his is, in fact, a rapist. As much as we want to criticize his parents for standing their ground and insisting that their son is incapable of such a hateful act, it’s impossible to say that no parent would fully accept that his or her child could be the bad guy.

Let’s talk about the shootings in Orlando. Marked as a terrorist act and hate crime, the nightclub shooting has drawn attention to the question of what a hate crime really is. There are many stories and theories surrounding the shooter and his reason, and at his death, we lost the truth and clarity that he could have given us concerning his actions, but we are now left to speculate.

His parents were questioned only a day following the attack; they were asked if they new of any possible motives or signs that could have indicated the mental state of their son, or even a clue as to the many questions we now have. The father responded with a statement that they had no answers; they did not expect their son to commit such an act, one that left so many dead and many more injured.

How is a parent supposed to know?

Let’s talk about the parents. Being a parent cannot always be easy. In these situations listed above, the parents are placed in very difficult situations where their child is guilty of some act, whether it is falling into a gorilla holding or opening fire on innocent people.

Is it the fault of the parent?

Some say yes, others say no. It’s true that parenting is vital in a child’s growth and development, but who’s to say that a child can’t go astray? Whether it is an accident or a fully intentional crime, the parents of a criminal or child in a bad situation cannot be held responsible for the outcome.

Do the parents of serial killers or criminals raise their children to do so? Is there a connection between parenting choices and the choices of a child?

I don’t have the answer.

But when we do choose to talk about the parents, let’s talk about them aside from the actions of the real person at fault. Take a look at the situation, put yourself as the parent, and ask yourself: What would you do?