Reacting to the Unthinkable

I read Living Room’s opining on why we have more reaction to the Beslan atrocity than to the longstanding one in Sudan.

Interesting thoughts. I have a few suspicions on some of this. I think we become inurred and accepting of the initially unthinkable when we sit -long enough- in unresponsiveness.

When something no longer activates our sense to change it, I believe we become paralyzed, and then the parts of our brain which allows us to categorize something as ‘best ignored’ kicks into action.

Perhaps this is the worst thing in a confused inablity to judge: maybe it simply becomes apathy. A kind of resignation that, “oh well, things like this happen”.

I think we are going to have to get off our individual fences… the ones where we don’t like the fact that we must take decisive action – and sorry to get partisan on you here- but to make up our minds to confront this most arrogant of evils. The kind that kills and maims and takes videos to gloat upon.

This blatant broadcasting does not inspire fear in me, this inspires a conviction that I must side with that which has the courage and sentiment to confront and end this reign of terror.

There are many ways to fight evil. We need to choose those of our conviction and lend ourselves to that fight. And for philosophicals who would ask “what is evil?” I say pay attention to the reports coming out of Beslan, do some research on Sudan. An education on what evil is manifesting in our day.

It is a grave mistake to let evil work with impunity. It will not afford you the same favor.