Focusing on the Good

Everywhere we look we see stories of violence and hate.  It is happening in our communities, in our states, and nationwide.  It has come to a point where all we hear from the news is violence, assault, homicide, and acts of evil.  They are the lead stories, and they dominate the national narrative.  However, we must not allow this negativity to take away from the good that exists in our world.  We often spent too much time focusing on the acts of terror and we do not spend nearly enough time promoting the acts of charity, understanding, and change.

Reaction

Whenever the national news reports on an act of terror and violence the story focuses on what happened and who committed the horrific crime.  It is important for there to be transparency in our culture, meaning that these facts need to be reported.  That being said, there also needs to be more focus on what the community is doing in response.  For every act of terror there are countless acts of kindness.  It is unfortunate that these actions are required but they show that people do care.  We constantly see organizations rushing in to help others, we see people donating money to go relief funds, and we see people from different demographics, religions, and beliefs banding together in support of victims.  This is what we should be focusing on.  We need to show our children that the best way to answer violence is to support victims and help people through difficult times.  As a society, we need to emphasis the good that exists and to prop up the people and organizations involved up as examples of how to act.  We need the youth of our society to want to be hero’s and the best way to inspire them is to talk about and empathize acts of kindness. 

Community Outreach

There are countless programs in every city and state designed to help people.  Some of these programs are funded by large companies, some are funded by community centers, and others are organized by a single individual trying to make a difference.  People across the country give up their time and lend their skills to help others in need and these are the real heroes of the modern age.  A working-class individual running a charity event for underprivileged children, an upper-class CEO who creates a fund to aid those in need, and a middle-class family who donates a single can of food to the local food bank every week.  All these people contribute different amounts of money and different amounts of time to help others and all of them are heroes.  This is the message we need to start spreading to help stop the rise of hate and violence.  It does not matter who you are, how much money you have, or where you come from.  What matters is that trying to better the lives of others.   Now, more then ever, we need to spread the message of unity and caring.  The best way to do this is through action and community involvement.  If you are unsure how to get started or help, just call your local community leaders.  There are always charitable programs that need support.

Creating Change

Every time there an act of terrorism we talk about how change is required; however, many people do not understand how to enact change.   Saying there is a problem is the first step but is also the easiest.  The hard part is gaining support and a framework to create whatever change is needed.  We hear about protests all the time and our right to freely protest is a major part in why American is a great country.  However, protesting alone does not create change.  It only raises awareness to an issue.  The next step is using the framework of government and communities to start programs to force change.  This can be through laws, through educational programs, or by ousting elected officials.  If you do not like the direction your community is going run for office or find a candidate to support with a new agenda.  Our laws and regulations are made by the majority through democracy.  If you disagree with them, get a group together and elect someone else and get the laws changed.  This sounds simple, but we must acknowledge that it is not.  However, if you are passionate enough and the problem is serious enough others will be willing to get involved.  All we must do is reach out to them and start a legitimate campaign.  Change will not happen overnight and often involves many obstacles along the way, but our history shows that if a cause is just and true that it will eventually prevail. 

Every generation has its challenges and violence is on the rise.  This appears to be the obstacle of our generation and like our ancestors we will find a way to get through it.  Just remember these simple things; always be peaceful, help others, and try make a positive impact on those around you.  If we start with the basics we will make the world a better place.