First of all, I'd like to start this off by saying this is my first major post of this nature in almost exactly 3 years. It took me some MAJOR searching to find that out, but the reason I need to emphasize how long it's been since I stopped is because those posts caused conflict, dispute, arguments, and tension. I was tired of Facebook tearing apart friendships that third parties could publicly read and/or comment on. I resolved to only post personal status updates, pictures, and share other posts I found amusing or interesting.
In lieu of recent events in my hometown, I have decided to write this despite my strong feelings against posts that may spark ANY type of controversial tangents and/or implications. I spent all day resisting the urge, but as many locals have said, this hit too close to home. There are many perspectives I wish to speak from and address, but I will try to keep this as short as possible.
After 25 years of growing up in the Dino, I am fully aware that San Bernardino is no stranger to violence. We are immune to the sound of sirens and gunshots. We are un-phased by stories of murder, assault, and rape. We leave our homes with precaution and walk defensively. News of a shooting is not uncommon.
What I don't want is for these constant acts of horror to desensitize us and become normalized. In my studies, I learned that grieving and mourning are not only natural reactions to tragedy, but HEALTHY and NECESSARY emotions to overcome such events. As a nation, a society, and humanity as a whole, we no longer grieve these horrendous acts of violence.
Mere hours after the tragedy, people all over social media were starting arguments about gun control, mental health, religion, terrorism, and much more. I say arguments because discussions are civilized, but I saw a lot of attacking and bashing. Did we take the time to mourn the fact that innocent lives were taken? No. Did we take the time to grieve for the families that lost loved ones? No. Instead, we tried to find something to blame. We tried to find reasons to be mad at people.
As many of you know, I work with young children. It is my job, or rather, my calling, to help guide these children. I take it very personally that I get to help raise them to be nurturing, loving, caring, responsible, and accountable children so that they may become so as adults. I help them resolve conflicts, and express themselves in a positive and effective way. I help lay a foundation for a future that may one day be tolerant and accepting of diversity. I'm not here to tell you whether I'm for or against gun control, I'm not here to tell you whether prayer is working or not. I'm here to simply say I am sad. I am sad for my city, I am sad for my loved one's loved ones. I am sad for the 14 lost, and the infinite people they have touched and left behind.
I know it's harder to change the set ways of adults and even technology-raised teenagers... But it is my hope that one day, we could all stop pointing out our differences in, simply put, opinions, and unite in our innate similarities. We all want to live a SAFE and HAPPY life. We all want our loved ones to live the same SAFE and HAPPY life. Let us save our debates and difference of opinions for ballots. A tragedy like this is not an appropriate time to show that we are divided. When people see a divided community, they see weakness. We have given these killers more of what they've wanted...more of what they've already seen in us. Isn't it time to show that we can come together? What better time to come together, than now as a community? As a society? For humanity? If not now, when? If ever...
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