Since Sunday, like many of you, I have spent a good amount of time thinking about Orlando. Thinking of terror. Thinking of hate and prejudice. Thinking of what this world has become. Thinking of my daughters.
I have watched, and witnessed, the online community attack one another for a number of things: their beliefs, their political views, and their right to an opinion. I’ve also seen people come together, spread love, and encourage one another. In a world already filled with so much hate, I want to teach my children to be the latter.
Bringing a child into this world is terrifying. In a world that is filled with so much uncertainty, tragedy, and terror we try to shield our kids from reality as much as we can. Perhaps this is why we place blame, point fingers and attack one another. However, I don’t personally believe in meeting hate with hate. We cannot conquer hate by putting more hate out into the world. Aren’t we letting the terrorists win when we divide, rather than come together? Do you think those who terrorize would rather create love or hate? I think that question answers itself, so let’s stop giving them what they want.
I want my girls to know that the bad guys do exist, but for every 1 bad guy there are thousands of good guys who they can trust and rely on. I want them to look for the “helpers” in every bad situation because, even in the case of mass shootings, you will always find people willing to help. I want them to know they can ask me questions, without judgment. If I don’t know the answer we will find it together. I also want them to know that not everyone will always agree with them, but that doesn’t mean they are wrong.
I NEED them to know that it’s ok to be scared and confused. Hell, I’m scared and confused. It is so hard to understand why someone would be so filled with hate that they would want to kill innocent people. However, these tragedies are increasingly happening and we cannot shield our babies from it forever. Teaching them to turn their backs, and emotions, to these acts will not do us any good. I think anger is a natural reaction, but I also think we can redirect that anger into passion for a better tomorrow. Let’s help our kids build a better future, before it’s too late.
xo, Jess
