Have Faith in Humanity

Humankind is a thing of beauty. We are all individuals and no two are alike. It doesn’t matter how close you get to a person, whether you’re siamese twins or chalk and cheese, no two individuals are the same. The fact that we are all unique is beautiful. The unique sacrifices people make for others and that people choose to risk their own lives for those who cannot defend themselves is beautiful. Humanity is a beautiful thing.

Despite this however, our history is littered with violence and unfortunate events. From wars such as the Irish Civil War, the World Wars and now the Iraq War to acts of terrorism such as 9/11, the Bali Bombings and even senseless attacks on humanity itself through incidents such as the London Bombings and riots, the Arab Spring, the massacres and the Boston Marathon. These events are extremely unfortunate and tragic but they spark massive public interest. Being the beautiful creatures we are and living in the democratic society we do, we like to know what’s going on and every detail related to that issue. This sees that the media mostly report on the stories that society are most interested in – the scandals and the tragedies. It’s because of this that we rarely get to hear about the goodness of humanity and just how generous we are until events like these happen.

Take the Boston Marathon for example. This happened on the same day that a bomb went of in Iraq. This day was supposed to be a historic day for Boston, a fantastic memory for all participating in the marathon, and just another day for those in Iraq. But due to a select few, the day didn’t work out for either party.

War has been going on in the Middle East for centuries. Over religion, over territory, and ever since 9/11, the catalyst for Americas involvement. It was a way of getting justice and closure for all 2,996 people who were lost.

Because there is constant war going on in the Middle East and because we are not there ourselves, the fact that a bomb went off and killed thirty seems like something that is normal for war. It may be, but the fact of the matter is that that is thirty less beautiful souls we have on this Earth. Those thirty people didn’t have to die, and we pay attention half as much attention to that because of their part in the war.

To the public and journalists reporting the story, these people are just a number, a statistic, something that is required to be accurate. We get so lost in the story and what has happened that we lose sight of what was. Who they were as people. They were people and they had an influence over someone else. Someone who is now mourning the tragic loss.

As with the Boston Marathon, three people dead with over 140 injured, seventeen of those critical. Some people needed amputations and some didn’t have a choice due to the bomb. These people who were running to raise money, with the last mile dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre might never run again. They have to face the fact that because of this attack they might not physically be able to, their trauma is too much, that they are just too scarred. Something that was supposed to be a brilliant and rewarding experience full of tradition has become a harrowing day of loss.

However, it is because of this tragedy that the generosity and kindness of humanity is highlighted. That we have the opportunity to witness and hear of stories where regular people and the unexpected become heroes. In every sense of the word. Bomb number one goes off and within seconds of realising what has happened, people are already running to help. Bomb number two goes off and it repeats. these volunteers and spectators band together to save them. To help them and see that they are safe and treated.

Boston went into a twenty four hour lock down and tightened security wherever it was deemed necessary. Hotels were locked down, the cellular network was jammed and people were left in the streets, traumatised and unable to return to their hotels and the hospitals with a significant amount of blood required. Cue social media. Cue the kindness. Cue the heroes. Police helping others who are injured or trying to limit further harm. Residents of Boston opening their hearts and their homes to people who need it. Offers of food and juice, a bathroom even and an influx of blood donated to hospitals to ensure that there is enough.

Social media has highlighted the goodness of humanity in these devastating times and it proves that although tragedy may have struck, we have a city and people who are willing to do all in their power to help. Whether it be through notifying loved ones that their special someone is safe, helping carry injured people, offering people a blanket, some water or a bed there are people helping. These offers are something magical and something that violence cannot take from us. no matter how bad it gets.

As Obama said, “today there are no Republicans and Democrats, there are just Americans.” Humankind is one of the same and despite all of our differences, we come together in the end and lend a hand when a hand is needed. So despite the ugly nature of violence and a few select members of society, we are a society made up of beautiful people with souls and hearts to match.

Till next time,

Ruth