In today’s world, the atmosphere feels increasingly unsettling. News of terrorist incidents, mass shootings, and other acts of violence frequently flood our social media and news platforms. It often appears that no location is immune to the threat of sudden peril or terror.
This is precisely the impression that those who perpetrate such acts—terrorists, mass shooters, and individuals steeped in hatred—wish to convey. Our fears grant them the influence they crave. Every moment we live in fear, we validate their actions, signaling that they are achieving their goals.
We cannot allow them this victory.
In reality, the situation isn’t as dire as it may seem. Despite the relentless barrage of alarming news, we are currently experiencing one of the safest periods in human history, especially within the United States. It’s crucial to keep this perspective when confronted with attempts to instill fear, whether through violence or sensationalized reporting. Although it’s natural to feel anxious, we must not surrender to that anxiety.
Fear and hatred are intertwined. Most reasonable individuals recognize this connection. Conversely, love and bravery stand as formidable allies in the fight against extremism. If we genuinely believe that love can triumph over hate, we must embrace courage. Fear merely serves to empower those who harbor hatred.
The challenge, however, lies in our roles as parents. Navigating the world with courage alone is one thing, but leading our children through it can feel daunting. What if we find ourselves in a precarious situation? How could we ever forgive ourselves if something were to happen to our little ones?
I often find myself pondering a different perspective: How could I ever forgive myself for limiting my children’s experiences because of fear? That’s no way to live, especially when the risks we face in daily life are negligible compared to the activities we engage in regularly. For instance, driving with our children is statistically one of the most hazardous things we do, yet it’s a routine part of our lives.
While I may feel a heightened sense of alertness in crowded venues, I refuse to let that fear dictate my actions. The reality is that countless opportunities exist for harm to occur, yet 99.99% of the time, nothing happens.
Our family spent over a decade in the suburbs of Chicago, often taking the Metra train into the city. During those rides, I would sometimes find myself contemplating various ways a terrorist attack could occur on our route. (I know, it’s a bit strange, but that’s just how my anxious mind operates.) I could envision numerous possibilities, even without much planning. If someone were intent on causing chaos in Chicago, it wouldn’t be particularly challenging.
Yet, in 2016 alone, Metra safely facilitated over 80 million passenger trips without incident. This statistic reassures me that the risks are genuinely small. Not that potential dangers don’t exist; they certainly do. However, statistically speaking, Americans are over 12 times more likely to die from choking on food than from a terrorist attack. And just for clarity, you’re more than 12,000 times more likely to be killed by a meal than by a refugee who becomes a terrorist.
The harsh reality is that anyone can fall victim to violent crime at any moment. Yet, the overwhelming majority of people are good. Most individuals seek to live peacefully. We must not let the fear of an unlikely event stop us from fully engaging in life, regardless of how frightening the headlines may appear—especially since provoking fear is often the very objective behind such events.
I refuse to let fear have the upper hand, and I will instill this mindset in my children. I will continue to utilize public transportation and take them to zoos, concerts, museums, and peaceful gatherings. I will educate them to be vigilant and prepared, to exercise caution when necessary, but never to succumb to paranoia over potential dangers lurking around every corner.
I will teach them to confront fear and hatred whenever they arise, choosing instead to embrace courage and love.
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In summary, while the world may seem daunting, we have the power to choose courage over fear. By fostering a spirit of bravery and love, we can guide ourselves and our children through life’s uncertainties.