As the one-year anniversary (click here) of the Sandy Hook shootings approaches, it’s tempting to focus on things that have not changed since that horrific day last December.
Political rhetoric, which softened momentarily out of respect for the victims, quickly returned in some quarters to the type of harsh, divisive talk that has disenchanted so many people in so many states.
There have been mass shootings at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard and a Nevada middle school, among others. Gun violence still ravages cities from New Haven to Los Angeles.
But if you’re tempted to give in to pessimism and complacency, think of Daniel Barden befriending a lonely schoolmate....
For as long as I can remember, the heinous act and the perpetrator receives unearned attention. For just as long, I always thought it was the wrong focus. Bringing celebrity focus to such acts and people enforces the idea Americans have to defend themselves. It also creates a 'celebrity' personality for others to emulate.
It is wrong to allow criminals to become celebrities. That status acts on young people and makes an impression on them. I would prefer young people focus on the loss to families, communities and the country when such events occur.
The record killings are still occurring across the country. Just the other evening Tulsa had multiple killings due to gun violence. There is definitely problems in the USA with violence and to allow killers and their violence to become celebrity is completely wrong. It is better for a society to feel the pain of loss and act to prevent it.
