Humans seem to be hard wired to seek out simplicity and to deflect blame.
We want easy answers.
We seek simple solutions.
We look for someone--anyone--to blame, as long as that
someone
is someone else.
These things have always been true
and are true now.
I consider the ever-escalating number of shooting deaths
that are happening
in schools
shopping malls
theaters
on our streets
in our homes
almost
everywhere.
People immediately polarized themselves.
"These shootings are caused by mental health problems."
"These shootings are caused by slippery NRA powers
and lax gun laws."
"These shootings are caused by faulty parenting."
"These shootings are caused by young people who
bully each other,
who #walkoutnotup"
The blame is tossed everywhere
and lands nowhere.
Meanwhile,
people are hurt
students die
and our next generation
is demonized for finding their voice.
This polarization,
and blame
change
nothing.
BECAUSE THE WORLD IS COMPLEX.
School shootings are caused by
layers
of problems,
layers
of pain,
layers
of political backroom deals
and lingering manifest destiny myopia.
Our world is complex and layered
and messy and uncomfortable.
Each of us,
every action,
every decision,
every great achievement
every heartbreak
every tragedy
every miracle
everything
comes from complex
layered
messy
bits.
Our ability
to
steer our
community
country
world
rests not with
a single leader,
a single political party,
a single solution--
but in the
beautiful complexity
of depending on each other.
