# Understanding Our Outrage: A Deep Dive into Violence and Humanity

Humanity has a long and troubling history of violence, and it often raises the question: why do we react with outrage when lives are lost at the hands of authority figures? This sentiment echoes across generations, reminding us of our persistent struggles.

After reading John McWhorter's enlightening book, Woke Racism, I found myself stirred not only by issues of racism but also by a broader contemplation of human nature itself. My reflections lead me to realize that our present circumstances are distressingly reminiscent of the past.

Once again, geopolitical tensions are escalating, with Russia amassing troops near Ukraine, while in the United States, gun violence continues to rise amidst an ongoing pandemic, leaving society on edge.

As I observe the political landscape in the U.S. resembling a chaotic game show, I turn to literature for solace. Reading helps me process the turmoil around me, focusing on positive actions while grappling with the harsh reality of a violent world.

Death is an inevitable part of life, a truth underscored by the pandemic. If recent events haven't compelled us to reconsider our values and behaviors, what will? Our fundamental nature hasn’t changed significantly over the millennia, but the thin veneer of civility seems to be eroding, revealing a darker side of humanity that resorts to violence rather than dialogue.

The current climate—a mix of a global health crisis, economic instability, and social isolation—seems to exacerbate a tendency toward revenge and aggression. This isn't merely about outbursts of anger but rather calculated plans for violence.

A Troubling Legacy of Violence

This behavior isn’t novel. Throughout history, schools, places of worship, and various groups have been targets of violence. Despite past reflections on the causes of such behavior, genuine change has often eluded us.

The inclination to resolve conflict with physical aggression instead of dialogue is a persistent issue. The question remains: why do we often resort to violence as a solution?

We've witnessed the consequences of excessive policing and militarization, which only fuel further discord. History shows that these approaches yield dismal outcomes, yet we continue to repeat them.

The Disturbing Statistics

According to Amnesty International:

More than 500 individuals die from gun violence daily, totaling around 182,500 annually, with approximately 45,000 fatalities in the U.S. in 2020 alone.
Globally, 44% of all homicides involve firearms.
Between 2012 and 2016, there were 1.4 million firearm-related deaths worldwide.

This pattern persists, with 8 million new small arms and up to 15 billion rounds of ammunition produced annually.

Humanity has long engaged in violence for myriad reasons, whether on battlefields or through entertainment such as films and video games. Our history is rife with accounts of conflict, demonstrating a troubling trend that seems to persist despite our advancements.

The Impact of Media and Culture

As humans, we are creatures of habit, often mirroring the behaviors of those around us. Yet, when it comes to violence depicted in media, many fail to recognize its potential impact.

We consume violent entertainment without considering the implications, from action-packed movies to first-person shooter games, where we kill countless enemies without remorse.

Studies indicate that children today spend less time outdoors than previous generations, potentially contributing to a disconnect with nature and reality. This trend raises questions about the societal implications of a generation increasingly engaged in virtual rather than physical interactions.

Embracing Our Humanity

We are competitive by nature, as evidenced by the billions spent on sports and entertainment. This competitiveness often spills over into aggression, leading to fights among fans or during games.

The portrayal of violence in media creates a distorted reality where the consequences of actions are trivialized, leading to desensitization.

As our collective consciousness begins to awaken from years of complacency, we must confront the underlying issues that perpetuate violence.

Final Reflections

While we cannot definitively state that violent video games lead to violent behavior, the correlation is concerning. Similarly, the justification for violence by authorities remains a complex issue.

Humans are not inherently doomed to repeat cycles of violence; we are also capable of compassion and change. However, acknowledging our flaws and striving for improvement is essential.

Feeling shocked by violence is natural, but that dismay must translate into meaningful action. It is not enough to point fingers at authorities; we must address the systemic issues that breed violence.

Ultimately, our children learn from our actions, and we must strive to model behaviors that promote understanding and peace.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.”