Society is connected by a common thread: emotions. We are able to grow, develop, and mature through our interactions and relationships with others. Our ability to empathize with each other and perceive emotions is what makes us human. Love and religion are simply outlets for our emotions; methods for us to establish intimacy with the world in which we live.

In contemporary society, globalization has prevailed. Individuals now have access to the worldly news. This has caused the media to portray atrocities such as murder and suicide bombings impersonally and nonchalantly, since such traumas are so common and the human mind would not be able to handle the truth. This has made humans less human--when informed about the death of 10 soldiers, they are able to disregard it and carry on with their lives without giving the trauma a second thought. What we fail to realize is that every death is the loss of a mother, father, child, or loved one. How would you feel if the persons closest to you were to die? I dread this possibility to the point where my mind evades the topic. I share a relationship with my family so intimate that I consider them my unconditional support, my reason for living. Without them, I cannot even consider what life would become. This is the situation of each death reported on the news: the loss of a family member or friend. If worldy tragedies were portrayed in this manner, society would feel much more cohesive, and more individuals would contribute to the recovery from such traumas. Individuals would be compassionate and inspired.

Cognizance of national atrocities, and sympathy towards them, resembles white noise: the tragedies will always be there, but we will not notice their gravity until we make the effort or are informed in a personal manner. Then, once we notice them, we will not be able to return to our oblivion. We will be compelled to act upon our sentiments, to become more selfless.

just a thought...