We like to distance ourself from violence. We use words like "senseless" or "meaningless" to describe violent crimes. We call the perpetrators of these crimes"monsters" or we label them insane.
But I think that the detective is right, we all have it in us. It's not only the ability to kill, but the capability to end the life of a fellow human being. Not just in self-defense or accidence, but in desperation, in passion, in hatred, in greed... in any trait that makes us human. I think that's what scares us the most; the revolting realization that neither you nor I are above the murderers, rapists and robbers we despise.
My brother once told me we hate those who reflect who we are. In the souls of murderers, we find ourselves, and it is a reflection so terrible, we refuse to acknowledge that it as our own.
But I can't stand words like "senseless" or "meaningless" to characterize violence; violence is human. I don't say that to glorify violence or to demean humanity or even to meekly accept a reality of violence. I say that because I am deeply and truly in love with humanity--all of it--and true love means seeing flaws and accepting them, unconditionally. Not in the hopes that your love will change, but with the certainty that what you love lies wrapped in every flaw.
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1 comments:
Lisa, I told my dad about your blog, and he wanted me to post this for him:
I am so pleased that Jenna gave me your blog. I enjoy reading your insightful views. We all have the capability of murder, but I am not locked-up because I have had (at least thus far in my 54 years of life) the ability to suppress my desires to murder and/or maim my opponents. It is a 'dog-eat-dog' world, but society has set limits of perceived acceptability to which we must all be held accountable. If we don't conform, at least on this basic level of respect to another human's life, shouldn't we be removed from society in some way; pay some price? I admire your ability to see these perpetrators in such a compassionate light. Are you too naive or am I too callous? I believe I will find my answers by continuing to read your well-written interpretations of what you are experiencing.
Jenna's Dad
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