Facing Global Tragedies: Stop the Hate

Last weekend, a gunman entered a bar in Orlando, FL and opened fire, killing more than 50 people. Details trickle out slowly, as do rumors. The shooter was obviously a fan of ISIS but we still do not know the truth of why he pulled the trigger shooting so many. In recent times, it seems global tragedies are escalating as are fear and hate-mongering. Humans need to stand strong when facing global tragedies.

Media loves these types of stories because it boosts their viewing numbers. Many outlets cover the tragic event 24/7. In order not to become overwhelmed with the sadness of the calamity, step away from the TV. Don’t be consumed with it. Just check for updates at certain intervals but get on with life.

How to face disasters?

• While it may seem that the world is being overrun with mishaps, the truth is that you are very unlikely to be involved in one based on statistics. Do not become overly paranoid.
• Avoid rash judgements. The media sure doesn’t and most of the time, they can get by with half-truths. But, if we want to face these tragedies we need to learn the facts.
• Don’t make generalizations. Just because a person is a certain race or religion and commits an atrocity doesn’t mean that everyone who shares that characteristic is the same. Just because the Son of Sam was an American doesn’t mean that all Americans are serial killers.
• Don’t alter your daily routine to compensate for possible catastrophes. Sure, it is good to be prepared when there is a storm coming or other possible events. But, storing ammo and water for a possible WWIII is just paranoia.
• Help your children deal with any emotional fall-out. You may not understand why something happened but try to make sure your kids understand these are relatively rare events.

Hate breeds more hate. Blame the person who committed the wrong, not his parents, brothers, ethnicity or religious group. There are good and bad in every social strata. When we teach hatred of whole groups, we breed racism, bigotry and war. If each of us try to respond appropriately to such cataclysms, we can reduce these things in the world. But when we feed the hate, it will grow all over.

There are studies which show that people can suffer PTSD from these world events and it can be quite disabling. And these are people who were not directly involved but just following the news coverage. In order to avoid this, we need to limit our viewing time of such events. Also, we need to find activities to take our mind off the tragedy. We cannot stop living because others have. If we see someone who we feel may be getting overwhelmed by the news, speak up.

Around the world, war happens and people suffer. In many countries, human rights are violated by tradition and law. Many people do not possess freedom of religion or even to state their opinions. In some place around the globe, bombs fall as a routine act of daily life. Children are killed in some places from feats of warfare while in other areas, children learn to be the killers. Girls in parts of the world are forced into child marriage and some refused even basic education.  Ethnic cleansing is practiced in some countries where people are killed based on their race. That atrocity didn’t die with the Nazis.

Open your eyes to the world at large before adding your hate. Many people are suffering way more than you are. The world needs more compassion and passion to change the wrongs that are happening. Isn’t there already enough hate in the world?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP