Crazy is a Double-Edged Sword

This section of my post will not have the usual humor and wit that some have begun to associate with my blog. I feel that I have some duty to point out the differences, as well as the similarities, between the two countries in which I have lived. During my exchange year, I have come to realize that the differences, though sometimes questionable and even odd, are what make our regions of the world unique. Diversity makes us stronger, not weaker.

Of course, you may already know that. Travellers and world thinkers have been preaching the same thing since the concept of seeing the world and becoming tolerant, if not understanding, of other peoples and their cultures.

But something you may not have considered are the similarities, and the consequences they bring. Human nature is a strange thing, which man has pondered over since he learned to become intro-spective. We have all seen the good and the corresponding bad sides of human nature to some degree or other.

Well, this thursday I became aware of just how alike we humans are. (Before I tell you what transpired, or rather, did not transpire, allow me to assure you that no one was hurt, at least not physically.) While the better side of mankind was sending aid and organizing global efforts for the people of Japan, someone was composing something far less honorable. An online threat to the students and staff of my Gymnasium, or school here in Germany.

The threat was posted on an online gossip site, and simply said that on Friday the piece of scum in question would kill whoever was attending school that day. The police became involved, and Friday passed normally, save for the fact that there were only six people, including myself, in my final two periods of Chemistry.

The online threat also brought this gossip site to the public's attention. I have personnally seen the website, and I am disgusted and, frankly, disappointed with the level of inhumanity or rather humanity of it. The reality is that the site has become a forum where anyone may say whatever they please about anyone else with the double-edged sword of being anonimous.

They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Well, to be truthful, it is. A sword can only cut flesh, but words can cut into someone's very soul. The misuse of words pains me as a writer. Please, dear reader, do not make the mistake of using words malevolently.

I can only hope that humanity's similarities will be remembered for the good that we have done and continue to do, not the wrong that we do upon ourselves. TGWTC, leaving you with a little something to mull over.