The incidents of violence and shootings, resulting in the loss of life and injuries to a number of people are now happening too frequently in the US. The latest unrest was in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a state of emergency had to be declared after several nights of violent protests over the fatal police shooting of a black man. This was followed by a shooting in a mall in Washington where four women were injured. The list of locations where violent incidents have taken place in the US during the last few months include Baltimore, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York and Ferguson.
Such conditions should make everyone realise that recent unrest and disturbances in the US, which seem to be following a pattern, cannot be viewed anymore as isolated incidents. On the other hand, the discerning observers think that the causes are serious and may be fundamental and can be ignored only at the cost of long term stability and peace in the US.
What is conspicuous in the present situation is that in spite of having excellent learning institutions and having many intellectuals who can provide lofty guidelines to the society, the sober voices of thinking are not heard at all. Where is the voice of people who have the credibility and wisdom to tell citizens that the US civilisation is now moving backwards, as hatred and disharmony are gaining a central place in the society?
What we hear in the US today is only the voice of the politicians who are either in power or wanting to get into power and who are not able to think beyond their self-interests. They discuss the disturbing events that gain huge publicity, whatever may be the merits of their utterances and observations, giving an impression as if more sober people have no presence in the country at all.
The voice of wisdom must be heard and the peace lovers and intellectuals with great integrity should come forward and provide sober notes. The media should understand that its job is to provide responsible and constructive criticism and suggestions, avoiding vituperative writings against one or the other that cause no good to the society.
- The reader is a chemical engineer and founder trustee of Nandini Voice for The Deprived, a not for profit organisation, based in Chennai, India.
