There’s been a lot of negativity in the news lately and truthfully, it is terrifying. This country has fallen into a terrible routine that we can’t seem to shake. This vicious cycle always begins with a tragedy that should have been avoided, followed by several distasteful news stories and a few political figures backhandedly endorsing hate and promoting violence.
As a society, we have gotten good at pointing fingers and placing blame. We have become comfortable with identifying the weak-hearted individuals who keep a strong finger on the trigger. We have journeyed into the minds of those who foster hatred deeply within themselves while wondering how someone could commit such unspeakable acts.
Beyond politics, we know that at the root of all evil lies hatred. It burns at the core of every assault and sparks every massacre. It festers in the hearts of those who cannot seem to find the beauty in life or the power of love. Hate is a powerful word that fuels dangerous actions and we cannot forget that there are humans on the other end of those guns.
I would like to reiterate: there are humans on the other end of those guns. There were smiles behind statistics and heartbeats behind the headlines. The victims of these hate crimes are more than records in a book of incidences that happen far too often. They are individuals with families, hopes and aspirations for the future. These victims are not pawns to play during the presidential elections. They are not ammunition for either political party to use against the other.
We must show love and we must demonstrate compassion. We inhabit the same earth and take pride in the same country. Political views aside, our veins are all blue and the blood running through them is red. To grow as a nation, we must embrace our differences and focus on what unifies us, for we must stand united.
But why is it that tragedy must strike in order for our nation to come together in solemn support? Today, it takes bullets to bond us, and tears to unite the nation.The irony of these hate crimes is the strength that follows suit. The support that shadows tragedy is what this nation needs every day. It is time to see past race, gender and sexuality. We need to look at the bigger picture: innocent people are being murdered because someone doesn’t agree with their beliefs or actions.
None of those thoughts are quite as terrifying as the fact that this nation has yet to find a solution. We have yet to put an end to the hate-crimes that occur far too often. Somehow, I still hold on to the hope that is left in our generation.
To my generation: we cannot let hatred win. We are a nation that prides itself in its diverse nature and abundant opportunities for the hopeful. As this nation’s most up-and-coming generation, we must exude love and embrace differences.
We have to stand together and build an army of acceptance, rather than a wall of fear, doubt and malice. It is time to show the world why we are the land of the free and home of the boldest and bravest.
