Hello Beautiful People,
I was teaching the film The Hunger Games, and I heard an “OMG” from one of my students.
Now, they’re not supposed to have their phones in class, but I indulged in the exclamation.
“What’s wrong?” I said.
“There was a bomb/explosion on the finish line of the Boston Marathon,” she replied.
My brain went numb.
Again? This was happening again?
It’s been four months since the unspeakable act that plagued the city of Newtown, Connecticut. A tragedy that I had hoped people learned from. A disgusting act of violence and hatred that I had hoped would help love triumph over hatred.
“Ms. Min, there was a bomb/explosion at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.”
Her words still linger in the air. Her toughness is nothing more than a facade, for she is fragile, she is young, and she too can break. Her face looks at me for answers and an explanation…
I have none.
I do not know who did this, and I do not want to know. The media as of late gives too much attention to the bloodsucking, life taking, murderous creatures who parade around this earth seeking…something rooted in sheer evil. I do not want to know what possesses the brain of such a person (or persons) to do such a horrible thing.
I am a runner.
I am not very good, but I am a runner.
I know the love the meditation that comes from the rhythm of pounding sneakers to pavement.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who complete marathons. In the running communities, they are the ones we all look up to – for running a marathon takes strength, dedication, and passion. I cannot even begin to fathom what they are going through, what the families and loved ones are going through…it just does not compute in my brain.
What I will say is this: at least two people have died, and at least 176 people are in the hospital for treatment for injuries, and that’s 176 too many.
What I will say is this: I don’t understand any of it. I don’t understand how things like this happen. I see tweets and Facebook posts about unity during times like this, but perhaps we need to join the army of Hope & Peace & Love when there is no such horrific stories in the news. Perhaps we need to embrace Hope & Peace & Love in the everyday, not just the darkest days.
What I will say is this: adults must do more. We are failing our youth. We are failing one another. What will it take to recognize that? We must teach Love & Compassion. Great men and women, people whom the world looks up to, they used their words. They used their brains. They were not governed with fists, but rather their pen and paper were their swords. We must teach that a difference of opinion is just that – different. You don’t always have to agree with one another, it is our differences that make this world ever-changing and ever-growing. A difference of opinion is not license to use whatever means you feel like to get “your way”. Violence is not something to be admired or revered – it should be shunned. We must teach that violence is not the mark of bravery or validity, but rather that it’s the mark of cowardice.
Teacher friends, tell me, how did you explain this to your students? How does one explain such atrocities? Because I have run out of explanations.
Live, Love, Learn,