When I read the first set of Lines Drawn: Comics by Parents and Teachers Who Have Had Enough, I knew I wanted to be a part of the project. My contribution, School Choice, rounds out the the second set, where we considered "active shooter" training for kids. Today is the 19 year anniversary of the Columbine massacre, and we've all sat watching horrible school shooting after horrible school shooting as if we did not have the power to prevent them.
I believe that our fear of becoming victims ourselves, drives our reactions and responses to victims. When confronted by victims of crime, violence or injustice, our first response is often defensive. We set about delineating what makes us different from the victim ("I would never walk alone at night!"), rather than listening for what they might teach us and what they need from us - even if they aren't alive or able to speak. I've noticed that the qualities we detest in people who we accuse of "playing the victim" are the same qualities we are terrified to reveal: frailty, interdependence and need for help.
The way we address the problem now - by focusing on the victim, and potential victims' actions over collective responsibility - reveal our adamant, pig-headed refusal to accept responsibility for the current state of things. Naomi Wadler, the Parkland students, and all of the young people in school walkouts are demonstrating that admitting you are vulnerable and interdependent will make us stronger. Listen to what they say; hear what they need.
I believe that our fear of becoming victims ourselves, drives our reactions and responses to victims. When confronted by victims of crime, violence or injustice, our first response is often defensive. We set about delineating what makes us different from the victim ("I would never walk alone at night!"), rather than listening for what they might teach us and what they need from us - even if they aren't alive or able to speak. I've noticed that the qualities we detest in people who we accuse of "playing the victim" are the same qualities we are terrified to reveal: frailty, interdependence and need for help.
The way we address the problem now - by focusing on the victim, and potential victims' actions over collective responsibility - reveal our adamant, pig-headed refusal to accept responsibility for the current state of things. Naomi Wadler, the Parkland students, and all of the young people in school walkouts are demonstrating that admitting you are vulnerable and interdependent will make us stronger. Listen to what they say; hear what they need.
RSS Feed
