An eye for an eye is archaic, immoral
Kian Hagerman
Mesa Legend
Whenever some sort of tragedy occurs, you can be sure that you will hear about misplaced reprisals in the days that follow. Whatever group a perpetrator can be lumped into, they are; the green light is given to those that wish to do harm to their fellow man, provided they are perceived to be a member of said group. It is something that is common to all peoples and places, this misguided rage, vented often violently on others. What never seems to gain a foothold in the minds of these reactionary types is that their response can only lead to more pain and suffering. Those that are victimized in response to the random act of one individual by another, have friends and families of their own.
The attack of one adversely affects an untold number more who care for that person.A little brother who loses his sibling to hate, is driven towards hate in turn; though they may resist the urge for revenge, not everyone turns the other cheek. Revenge begets revenge, for its own sake, and the only thing that can cease the cycle is to take the high road.Resentment for past slights can build, but harming others is not a worthwhile response, and does nothing to enrich this world we share.Choose to have the trading of retaliation end, by not visiting your pain on others.
It may be cathartic to release pent up emotions initially, but anyone with empathy will grow to regret their actions taken in the heat of a moment. Rather than assaulting those you think might have a connection, no matter how tenuous, to someone who commits violent acts embrace them instead. Show that you see them as an individual, for that is certainly what they are, and that you will not lower yourself to the same level as a monster who would ruin the lives of others. Reach out to the families of victims of tragedy, and show them that they are not alone. Be the person that little brother can look up to in his sibling’s place even if only for a moment, so that he can see that not every stranger wishes the worst for him.
