The realities and heartbreak of last weekend’s mass murder in Orlando must be addressed on many levels in the days and weeks to come. The staggering loss, the bravery, devotion, and love will last a lifetime for many. There is, however, one simple thing we can start to do to heal right now. We can stop uttering the assailant’s name, we can stop showing his face in broadcast and print media. We can discontinue the practice of “celebritizing” someone for committing a heinous crime. This is not a new idea, but it’s an effective one. In Norway for instance, it’s considered inappropriate to say out loud, the name of the person who killed dozens of innocent people in 2011. As a culture, let’s adopt this practice. Whether it’s merely symbolic comfort or a step towards deterrence. It’s the very least we can do for the victims’ loved ones, but it also does something more. It sends a message that his name, as well as the acts he committed, are unspeakable.
June 14, 2016 at 6:22 am
I totally agree with what you’re saying. Anytime we do that it gives them a voice and pushes out the good and those we should be focusing on. Thank you for your thoughtful post.
June 14, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Thanks for your thoughtful reply… miss you!!