Okay, I’m finally going to say something about all the media hype about people getting more violent. It is truly nothing but a bunch of media hype. No matter what they say, people are not getting more violent. In this world of instant gratification we just know about everything. You can get the news on TV, your phone or your computer instantly and believe it or not, news agencies love death and destruction because it means more views and more money for them.
How do I know the world is not getting more violent? There are bad people everywhere and it’s been like that forever. It is worse now that the world’s population is growing, but I doubt things have changed much on a per capita basis. Read the bible, watch old cowboy movies, read any history book. Even the so called “good guys” won by resorting to violence. Over the years people have been subjected to bullies who use force, the bullies are perhaps forcing them to give up their religion, give up their land, whatever. Regardless, the winner is always the one who is most willing to be the bully it seems.
No, the indians didn’t willingly move to reservations so that we could “settle the west”, they were robbed. When Hawaii became the 50th state, it wasn’t a big party like the history books tell us, Hawaii was essentially commandeered away from it’s native rule.
What’s my point? Yesterday twenty or more people were involved in this scuffle with a guy with a knife. A knife, not a gun! My point is, after the first couple people were slashed, why didn’t people go into crazy mode and take this loser down? We’ve been babied along by the pacifists for too long. Nobody is going to protect you and your family except for you, so if you are in trouble, do whatever it takes to defend yourself. Tell your kids the same thing. When my kids were small I made sure they knew, if someone you don’t know is trying to get you into their car, do whatever you have to do to get away from them. Kick, bite…whatever!
When somebody finally decides they are going to do whatever horrible deed it is that is filling their head, they have already decided they have nothing to lose, so they are going to give 100%. If you want to live, you have to give 100% as well. If someone has a weapon and they are using it on the people around you, you do what you have to, to take that person down.
The media can go on and on about screening people for mental illness and violence but many times these attackers have no prior history. The best thing you can do is protect yourself. Violence can happen anywhere so be aware of your surroundings. Our upbringing to look the other way might be our downfall. Be aware of the people around you and situations going on around you. If a couple nearby is having a heated discussion you don’t have to get involved, just remember that passion is a big motivator, you want to be on top of things if the situation deteriorates.
I’m not saying die trying to be a hero, but don’t be a victim. If you got one guy with a knife in a bank and forty people just standing around not doing anything…well I’m sorry, but that’s lame.
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