Written by: RP
Art by: RAZ
In the prehistoric era, the primates were left, at times, with no other alternatives but to fight and kill their own species for survival. This type of behavior was eventually adopted by human beings as their coping mechanism throughout the progress of civilization. And as violence developed as a part of our individual innate tendencies, the society formed legal systems as grounds for fair justice.
Violence comes hand in hand with power. Those who lust for power seek control in creating and maintaining social orders thinking that this is the most convenient solution for the greater good. But no matter how subtle or evident the intentions are, violence is not the answer. It can only be seen as a natural response when a social hierarchy is threatened. Thus, it is simply an excuse for short-term satisfaction of the chief and only resolves short-term issues of the community.
As Isaac Asimov, a prolific writer said, violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Incompetent people heavily rely on what is otherwise a relatively unpleasant option. They utterly believe that the act of violence is enough to give them refuge. Whereas the competent realize that there are more things that can be executed apart from using force. Violence is a mere instrument to steer clear of the actual problem. The public will only be exposed to unforeseen conflicts which can lead to confusion and chaos instead of addressing the issue.
Each day is a survival against the invisible. And for the urban poor communities, it is also a battle with hunger. Right now, it seems that a new threat is on the run: the abuse of power of the authorities. The virus and poverty might take some time to kill but with a bullet on the head, one click and death is certain. In these hard times, a directive of “shoot to kill,” people who are deemed as unruly will only spark communal disparity and panic. This will not easen the situation but it will only cause more tension among people. Public outcry will only be resolved if the demands promised to them are consistently met.
If there’s one thing the optimistic majority share in common, it is hope for the present and future threats be met and handled better. The community must insist that there shall be visible actions through a high degree of preparedness, responsiveness, and efficiency in fulfilling their needs. If the authorities are truly concerned about the social fabric of our society, it is important to stop insinuating threats and start contributing to the welfare of the citizens.
Meanwhile, it is fitting for people to find their own voice and make use of their available means to speak for themselve and for the marginalized sector too. Conviction lies and must remain within ourselves to fight for what is right and just. It is vital that everyone yields against normalizing violence as the key for those who seek help more than additional suffering.
This is the most appropriate time to remain vigilant, let us open our eyes to both kindness and cruelty of the world, and stay committed in defending the truth.
Now is the time to put our colored lenses off, stop pointing guns against one another, and remember who the real enemy is,
for the greater good.
Commenti