Grieving and Bewildered

[Acy]

Yet another news item about a "van running into crowds of people and killing many". This time in Toronto, Canada. There are 10 dead and 15 injured. My heart goes out the victims, their families, the responders (civilians and professionals) and the citizens of Canada.

There have been so many incidents of loss in violent events around the world - especially in recent times. All kinds of loss all around the world. We have loss without intentional violence as a "part of life", so why oh why do some people create loss on purpose, through violence?

I am sad and filled with grief. Every incident makes me feel that a bit of innocence in the world has been chipped away.

To all SFers, let's remember that love conquers all. Let's remember that we are stronger together as we cooperate and help each other here and in the real world. We can all be an example of peace, love, diversity, and wholeness that the world at large can learn from.

Please...

 

[Sassy Cat]

Hugs these events are so scary and sad *grouphug1 everyone I wish everyone to be kept safe. It’s times like this we ask why. I don’t know how anyone could do such a thing. Stay safe everyone.

 

[Petal]

Unfortunately some people have no regard or respect for human life. May the deceased rest in peace x

 

[may71]

why do some people create loss on purpose, through violence?

I think people often deal with their anger and frustrations in really destructive ways. In some cases, the reaction is very extreme.

So I think it's both the responsibility of the individual to not to react in extreme and destructive ways, even if they have legitimate reasons to be angry.

I think it's also the responsibility of society to try to not produce so many angry people, and to give people who are angry access to peaceful methods for redressing their grievances.

I feel like, at least in the US, political polarization is one of if not the primary factor that's encouraging mass violence. Some people see polarization as a means to achieving political objectives, and therefor say "polarization is good", but polarization is essentially trying to achieve political objectives through a form of warfare.

Polarization is a process through which we stop seeing the humanity of other people, and encourage others to stop seeing the humanity in us as well.

 

[may71]

Acy, you really do a lot here to make SF successful, and that's something really important. Building positive, humane communities, whether online or IRL is really a powerful antidote to the problems of the world.

Please don't become overwhelmed by this Acy. There's simply a certain amount of tragedy in the world. Always has been, always will be. All we can do is try to push the needle closer in the direction of less suffering in the world.

Condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people of Toronto and Canada.

 

[Acy]

@Petal @sassy123 and @may71 - thanks all for your replies. It's just another bit of what dismays me in the world. I'm trying to focus on how people come together to support each other in the communities around the world where these incidents have happened. I wish people would just come together out of love and caring all the time - none of the hatred and violence.

@may71 - Thanks for your wise words. I know these things happen - that there's a "certain amount of tragedy in the world." I wish that where human beings can make choices they'd make more caring and non-violent ones. Reducing suffering is a good goal. Thanks.

 

[Human Ex Machinae]

As society has become increasingly obsessed with media and celebrity these incidents have become more frequent. I think it's because the media functions like a Make A Wish Foundation for dangerous psychopaths, by plastering their faces and names and life stories everywhere for numerous news cycles. In a celebrity obsessed culture like this, a random violent act becomes an easy ticket to fame for a twisted nobody who feels ignored and doesn't have the brains or talent or looks to achieve it on their own merit. If a blanket ban on publicizing the names and faces of attackers was instituted, I think these incidents would become so less frequent than they are now they would eventually be seen as a troubling thing of the past.

 

[may71]

If a blanket ban on publicizing the names and faces of attackers was instituted, I think these incidents would become so less frequent

I don't think fame is the only motive, so I'd doubt that a ban would eliminate such events. There seems to be some pretty strong evidence though that it's a factor in these crimes. I agree completely that not publicizing names and faces would significantly reduce crimes like this.

 

[Human Ex Machinae]

I don't think fame is the only motive, so I'd doubt that a ban would eliminate such events. There seems to be some pretty strong evidence though that it's a factor in these crimes. I agree completely that not publicizing names and faces would significantly reduce crimes like this.

It probably wouldn't have a great impact on the ones that are primarily motivated by geopolitics and religion, but I think it would on the ones that are purely psychotic. Every time the media apparatus gives one of these psychos the 15 minutes of fame treatment, it just leads inexorably to the next incident. The fact that nothing is done to prevent this cycle from going on is amazing to me.

 

[Lotus]

The world is a dark place at times, that's why it's important to remind ourselves of the inherent beauty of human kind. Especially here, i've found compassion warmth and loyalty. Little things to reinforce my faith in humankind. Not all people are evil, or cruel. Just a small minority