This is a redraft of a post I wrote a bit ago. Sadly, seemed opportune again, to let these thoughts fly.
This is a rant. You can skip if you want. I can’t sit idle when I have all of these thoughts flying around in my head.
… "limits are for those who lack imagination and determination." …. Terrorists want to crush peoples' dreams; the very essence of what a dream represents (a better future) is what terrorists are fighting against.
We live in a day and age where terrorism is indeed inevitable. Again and again, we wake to the news of more senseless death and destruction. It is a part of what is now, as much as democracy is. It is just what is right now. Sadly. You know what terrorists are? Bullies. Bullies win by getting others to fear them. How do you get a bully to back down? Stand up to him. Show him you do not fear what he is doing, saying, standing for; rather, stand up for what you know to be a better way of choice: the choice of allowing others to dream and live and be. Random killing of innocent people? That’s not being brave and standing up for what is right; that’s just mean and thoughtless. When you attack those who are unaware, you are not winning.
This is not about us and them. This is not about religion, skin color or partner preference. This is not about sides. This is about senseless, hurtful hatred. This is about lack of compassion and ability to see. This is inhumanity; we are all humans so this is against all of us.
I dare say there is no God out there that would say that what they stand for and what philosophies they expound are the one and only right one. I am not especially religious but I do believe myself to be kind, generous, and accepting. I am understanding of others, and listen to what is important to others, giving them the right to continue to believe as they so choose. I have my own opinions, but I do not believe mine are the right ones for every one. I do my best to teach my boys that they have the right to the beliefs they settle upon, so long as their beliefs do not infringe on the rights or beliefs of others. They have the right to dream as they want, the right to aim for their goals, and the right to work hard to achieve them.
Terrorists aren’t like that. Terrorists want people to only believe as they do. In their eyes, those that don’t believe as they do deserve to die. Some kill indiscriminately, some pick and choose, giving women and children pardon. Some aim for tourist destinations, some aim for places and/or countries whom they feel have done them wrong. Terrorists want to set limits and undermine established structure. They want to bring doubt and uncertainty. They want you to fear. And when you fear, they win.
Imagination and dreams look beyond what is and aim toward what could be. They embody growth and childhood and creativity. They get you out of the box. They lead to ambition and aspiration and positive change.
You know what I have to say? Back off, bullies. You are not accomplishing anything. Oh sure, we’re watching now, and you’re getting your time in the news. But that is not a win. Yes, right now, we are afraid. But that’s not a win, either. Being known as notorious is not the same thing as being revered. You bullies, you want to know why you will not win? Because we all dream, and we all work for a better day. We know what grief looks like, thanks to you. But we also know what beauty can come if you work hard and take care with others. You bullies, you will not win, because as every parent on this planet knows and has told their children (probably countless times): bullies never win. So back off.
https://www.fatherly.com/how-to-discuss-terrorist-attacks-with-kids-1460529003.html?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=iterable_campaign