In the aftermath of tragedies, it’s common for those affected or observing to search for someone to blame. Following the Parkland shooting, we have witnessed a troubling trend where the blame has been misdirected from the perpetrator to the surviving students. This misplaced blame, often championed by various commentators and social media users, overlooks the real issue: the accountability of the shooter himself.
In a poignant op-ed for the New York Times, survivor and student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Lila Thompson, articulates the unfairness of suggesting that if students had been kinder to the shooter, the tragic events might have been avoided. Thompson recounts an unsettling experience from her past—an assault by the shooter, which occurred right in the cafeteria. Despite this, she attempted to extend kindness by tutoring him later in high school, only to have her efforts met with discomfort and rejection.
Thompson argues that the notion of the #WalkUpNotOut movement could have prevented the shooting is deeply flawed. “The idea that Mr. Cruz’s mental health issues could have been resolved through more affection from his peers reflects a serious misunderstanding of mental health challenges,” she writes. “It also places an unfair burden on students to protect themselves and others from known aggressors.” She emphasizes that it is the duty of school authorities to identify at-risk students and ensure they receive the necessary support, even if it means seeking help outside the school environment.
Thompson’s powerful message resonates across social media, as she embodies the voice of a survivor who faced the shooter and lived through his attack. Her insights force us to confront the uncomfortable truth: the shooter was the aggressor, not the victim.
It’s crucial to recognize that offering kindness to a volatile individual does not guarantee safety. “No act of compassion could have changed who Nikolas Cruz was or the tragic actions he took,” Thompson states. “This idea serves as a weak excuse for the failures of our education system, government, and gun laws.”
The complexities surrounding such tragedies extend far beyond the simple notion of kindness. It’s not about teaching children to be nicer; it’s about understanding the risks posed by individuals who demonstrate violent behavior.
Having faced bullying myself, I understand the feeling of isolation that comes with being targeted for being different. I remember the few classmates who showed me kindness during those tough years, and I remain grateful for their support. However, the Parkland incident is different. The shooter was a threat, and that must be acknowledged.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the tools for home insemination, check out this at-home insemination kit. For anyone looking to support fertility, consider exploring this fertility booster for men as a resource. For additional information on insemination methods, the Mayo Clinic provides excellent resources.
In summary, the narrative that students should have acted differently to prevent such tragedies is not only misguided but also dangerous. The responsibility lies with those who can enact change and provide support, rather than placing the onus on vulnerable students.
Keyphrase: Parkland shooting survivor
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination