We’ve all seen the tragic and horrific image of little Aylan Kurdi, washed up and face down on a Turkish beach after trying to escape the horrors of Syria.
We’ve seen (finally) the mainstream media really talking about the issues that are facing Syrians as they put their own lives, and that of their families, at risk, only to find that risk takes their lives as surely as the bombs and bullets in Syria would should they remain there.
And we’ve seen the world finally start to get its shit together and realize what’s been going on, now that they’ve been forced to watch by the image of that poor little boy, who could be mistaken for simply sleeping if you replaced the beach with a bed.
Sadly, we’ve also seen the assholes and the self-serving come out of the woodwork, as “people” show their true colours when it comes to their place in the world, and how we treat our sisters and brothers regardless of race, faith and status.
I Offend You? Your Ignorance Offends Me
In the days following the release of the picture of Aylan to the world, there were many discussions across all the social networks, as people tried to make sense of what they’d just seen.
On Facebook, a friend of mine shared one of the many news stories about the tragedy, and asked what it will take for the world to end this madness, and actually live peacefully together.
I replied with my usual brass and unfiltered take when horrible shit like this happens.
Sadly, the world can never change when we put the doctrines of religion and hate?above the rights of people to expect a normal life. Despite our outrage, nothing changes and hatred wins?- the world is completely fucked.
An hour or so later, one of my friend’s friends came online, and harangued me for using such unnecessary language. It simply showed ignorance of the English language, and I couldn’t be taken seriously because of it.
Well fucka-doody-doo, mister, and excuse me!
So I asked this guy if my language offended him more than a three year old boy lying lifeless on a beach for the whole world to see. His response:
God works in mysterious ways, and it’s not for us to question or for you to lessen that by vulgarity.
At that point I gave up, because clearly it was pointless trying to reason with someone that couldn’t see the craziness in their statement or point of view.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Why do we think the word fuck is offensive, but reason away a dead child on a beach? #morals” quote=”Why do we think the word fuck is offensive, but reason away a dead child on a beach? #morals”]
Now, don’t get me wrong – while I’m not religious myself, and while I have many issues with how religion of all kinds enforces certain behaviour and beliefs, I also respect people that are religious to practice their faith, and the actions that come through that.
I just can’t believe any religion (or person, to ensure this doesn’t become a post about religious ambiguity) would find a three year old boy lying dead on a beach any fucking kind of acceptable picture.
Because if you do, for whatever reason, then your whole mindset is fucked.
The World is Becoming a Stupid and Dangerous Place
But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this could be the case.
After all, you only need to take a look through your Facebook feed, as well as news and media outlets and the comments that come after any kind of serious opinion piece, to see that the world is getting crazier by the day.
In Costa Rica, tourists placed their kids on top of turtles for picture opportunities. On top of that, they stood in front of the turtles as they tried to make their way onto the beach. Apart from showing how stupid people are, its impact is much deeper, as these turtles were trying to lay eggs, but returned to the water without doing so. Nature 0 – Human Idiocy 1.
Over on Facebook, “friends” of friends share?a picture of a burning cross, and claim that President Obama is the anti-Christ and should be “removed”.
In Texas, a teenage Muslim boy is arrested and handcuffed because his dumb school (and the fear around someone that’s just a little “different”) think his science project – a homemade clock – is a bomb.
These are just a few examples of literally thousands (millions?) that highlight how ignorance and self-preservation is taking over the world.
If it’s not in your backyard, it’s not visible, right?
Except is it visible, every single day – we just choose to ignore it.
Not only that, but we choose to ignore the ignorance of others around us when it rears its head, because no-one likes to rock the boat where friendship is concerned, right?
If that’s the case, ask yourself this – at what point do we stand up and say enough is enough, and to hell with the fallout from those we feel we currently refrain from challenging?
Because if we truly think that using the F-word is more offensive than a poor, innocent little boy lying face down on a beach hundreds of miles away from home, then I’m sorry, but we’re more fucked up than we think.
And that is truly offensive.