Last week's tragedy triggered huge debates and lots of television interviews with heavy-weight figures. I am sorry to say even though I understand their feeling and respect their patriotism, most of their views are too one-sided, radical, irrational and some even for political purposes or benefits. But one televison show on this hot issue really inspired and enlightened me. A group of pre-school and elementary school kids of racial mix discussed about this topic. The following are their answers to the question that the host put to them " Why did they do it to us?"
Kid # 1: Because they are bad guys
Dave's comment: True, good guys never kill innocent people, for whatever reasons.
Kid # 2: May be we kicked their butt, they just kick back.
Dave's comment: Correct. It is a kind of revenge.
Kid # 3 : They have different God than ours. so, they do not like us.
Dave's comment: Right, nobody can deny it was related to different regilious beliefs.
Kid # 4: May be we are rich, they are just jealous.
Dave's Comment: Seems irrelevant. But if rich countries can help poor countries instead of bullying and exploiting them. There will be less violence for sure.
Kid # 5. Because we bombed them, we are just getting the taste of our own medicine.
Dave's comment: Courageous answer. No adults dare to say that in the midst of this atmosphere.
While most of adults are vowing to stike back, to kill those who are responsible and to defend national pride, are they any wiser than those kids. I do not think so! It is adults who created this crazy world of hatred and revenge. Maybe these kids should not be asked this kind of question in the first place.
Dave in LA
