I grew up in the aftermath of 9/11. As an American, I watched on TV as men marched through the streets of far-off lands with their faces hidden, hurling threats and waving assault rifles openly among crowds of protesters. I saw the rubble of burning cities and the fanned flames of open upheaval.
We were told it was the work of radicalized fringe groups. That they were a select few, dedicated firmly to a cause they believed in. The world watched while sovereign nations struggled to resist. In some cases, it became clear they'd actually stepped aside so those groups could restore regimes of oppression and carry out hateful acts of violence against people because of their different belief systems.
It used to be that these were things I watched on TV.
Now, I just have to look outside.
Every generation until now could reasonably claim they didn't know of the atrocities being carried out in their own backyards; that they weren't privy to the covert motives and inhumane actions of their neighbors. However, to look past what's happening these days is to intentionally turn a blind eye.
I pose this here not to tell you how to think but to ask, at least, that you please not look away.
In fact, there are no labels here at all—whatever connections you've made are your own. And that's the point.
***
This daily column of mine is not a political one, and it will stay that way. But I like to think it is one of morality and ethical inquisition, even if usually offered through life's seemingly mundane moments. In light of recent events, it would be disingenuous of me to pretend like I'm not distracted or deeply concerned with what's happening. So, this is me showing up anyway, with what's actually on my mind.
Tomorrow, we'll return to our regularly scheduled musings.
First They Came
by Pastor Martin Niemöller
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
onward.
If you know someone who'd appreciate this, pass it along. And if something stuck with you while reading, I'd love to know what it was. For more on this daily column and The MAP Year Project, read the backstory here.