Original Responses
Amanda:
Despite The Headlines, Steven Pinker Says The World Is Becoming Less Violent
July 16, 20165:02 PM ET
Heard on All Things Considered
http://www.npr.org/2016/07/16/486311030/despite-the-headlines-steven-pinker-says-the-world-is-becoming-less-violent
“…we must not assume that society is falling apart. We're pretty safe. Remember that terrorists in particular, really, by design, distort our view of violence. That's almost what terrorism means.”
With all of the news these past few weeks my heart is broken. It certainly doesn’t feel like the world is becoming less violent. It’s gotten to the point where our morning routine includes holding our breaths trying to prepare ourselves for the headlines of pain and suffering.
And while the world overall, may be “becoming less violent” this country doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo. What struck me about this interview was the fact that our own media, political candidates and institutions seem to embody the definition of terrorism and the resulting affects from their acts are just as painful when they result in the basic rights that should be granted to us all as humans are questioned.
Nick:
Today in the news: Racism, political vitriol, citizens shot, police killed and politicians make some speeches.
A year of open uncivil disobedience
divisiveness in the country has reach such a boiling point as a result of the election season that that it is now truly coloring the rationale perspective of americans on incredibly important and lasting issues.
there is no real real discussion or debate right now. No thoughtful thinking. We are speaking at once too specifically and too broadly and mostly too loudly without action. It’s what plays in the media, makes for exciting TV i guess. In fact it has truly become reality TV. Open displays of hatred, tension, racism we appear to be creating lasting scars, or at least opening up old wounds.
Our politicians, our elected officials by and large refuse to take ownership of issues, and lead the public discourse as our elected leaders. This, to me, is civil disobedience become uncivil disobedience in which instead of non-violent resistance to government or law, the government itself is failing to act. Self preservation is leading to in-action.
It is important for people to start their own small movements, to rise above the hate and anger and obstruction. My favorite example from the past few weeks of craziness: Mike Monteiro, a designer from San Francisco has leveraged his following on twitter to rally people to report gun sales on Facebook (an apparent raging problem and violation of Facebooks supposed rules) and have these posts, and groups taken down or removed from Facebook. Its has been incredibly successful.