Apathy. One of the worst things that define this generation of human beings.
Without a doubt, we live in an era of every man for himself. We simply don’t care or pay attention to what happens to others, as long as it doesn’t happen to us.
The media reports alarming news every day, sensationalizing information in a way that we have become accustomed to. It’s time to stop and think: Where is this taking us?
According to writer Anne Marais, the lack of concern or interest to change things leads us down a dark and destructive path. She said those few with the courage to speak out are becoming a minority amid the masses who simply don’t have the energy or time to concern themselves.
In a time where individualism reigns, it is easy to overlook the situation. We often think “that can’t happen to me,” as if we are immune to disaster and tragedy.
The problem with this point of view: while we go about our daily lives and ignore the warnings, the world is slowly dying with only a few people trying to prevent it.
“To work for peace is to uproot war from ourselves and from the hearts of men and women,” said Zen master Thích Nhất Hanh in his book “Living Buddha, Living Christ.”
“To prepare for war, to give millions of men and women the opportunity to practice killing day and night in their hearts, is to plant millions of seeds of violence, anger, frustration, and fear that will be passed on for generations to come.”
Words like shooting, war and killing have become part of our daily vocabulary. Violence is invading our lives subconsciously.
What is in store for our children and grandchildren?
Indhira Suero Acosta is an international graduate student in journalism and media studies. She can be reached at indhirasuero@mail.usf.edu
