You Were a Kid Once Too
Human history is marked by youthful mischief, laughter, and the occasional prank that shapes our character. The impulsive nature and thrill of the unexpected during our childhood years unite us in a journey of self-discovery. However, recent incidents involving deadly force in response to pranks, innocent knocks on doors, or simple actions like turning around in a driveway show us as Americans that we have lost touch with empathy, understanding, and responsible actions within our communities.
In my neighborhood, a recent incident on the Nextdoor app was the epitome of the alarming escalation of threats and violence over a seemingly harmless prank. Someone took the time and effort to upload a video on the app Nextdoor of a kid kicking their door in a prank, and said “If this is your son, something bad might happen to him.”
The comments reflected a disturbing trend, with individuals expressing readiness to resort to deadly force. “He is lucky that you didn’t shoot your rifle”, “Come to my house and do this, guarantee your little cupcake will be in a hospital or worse,” “What is wrong with kids these days, people are not parenting properly,” and lastly, “Some people have sleep disorders where they become violent when awakened in this manner… We had a veteran neighbor who when awakened this way chased the little a’hole with a shotgun.”
This raises so many concerns for me as a future parent, about the balance between personal responsibility, effective parenting, and the right to bear arms in our society.
Pranks, practical jokes, and harmless mischief have been a part of our culture for centuries. From ancient times to the present day, individuals have engaged in playful activities to entertain themselves and others. While some pranks may be perceived as inconvenient, they do not inherently signify poor parenting or justify extreme reactions. Tiny missteps are leading to tragedy.
People come from diverse backgrounds with unique parenting styles influenced by their upbringing, values, and experiences. Understanding that children, in their journey of self-discovery, may exhibit impulsive behavior irrespective of their upbringing is crucial. As someone who dealt with ADHD and poor impulse control as a young child and teenager, I can attest to the fact that regretful actions can occur despite rules and discipline.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants citizens the right to bear arms. However, with this right comes the responsibility of ensuring that firearms are used safely and lawfully. Threatening to use deadly force over minor inconveniences is a concerning trend that warrants reflection on the appropriate use of firearms and the potential consequences of such actions. Acknowledging that individuals may have sleep disorders or traumatic experiences that affect their reactions is important. While understanding these conditions, it is equally important to take proactive steps to mitigate potential harm. This may involve limiting access to firearms or implementing security measures such as a fence or gate to prevent confrontations that could escalate to dangerous levels.
People will inevitably approach your door for various reasons, from fundraising kids to delivery drivers. One time I accompanied a young woman to the police station to make a report after experiencing domestic violence. I was shocked to hear that she was running away from her abuser through an apartment complex, looking for doors with ring cameras and knocking on them for help. No one answered their door or even called the police on her behalf. When we went with the officer to get a copy of the footage, the owner had no specific reason for taking action and said they witnessed her attack on the camera. I think about the fact that asking for help could have gotten her killed.
Remove the pranks, and there is still a disturbing trend of shooting people for simple mistakes. In July 2021, a Tennessee man was charged with brandishing a handgun and firing it after two cable company workers mistakenly crossed onto his land. A teenager in Georgia was shot looking for his girlfriend’s apartment. The cheerleader in Texas simply wanted to find her car in a dark parking lot after practice. Each of them accidentally went to the wrong address or opened the wrong door.
Two decades ago most Americans were under the legal “duty to retreat” from danger in public areas, but 38 states have since shifted to the stand-your-ground standard, which makes no requirement that those who feel in danger must delay before responding to a threat with deadly force.
This begs the question: Is it an issue with “kids these days” or a broader societal shift in empathy and responsibility?
In a world where fear can drive extreme reactions, creating a sense of community and compassion needs to return to us as human beings. Instead of immediately resorting to threats, we need to engage in open dialogue, seek understanding, and work toward solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved. As we become more polarized, we lose a sense of community. Misunderstandings, like pranks, should be viewed as opportunities for learning and empathy rather than triggers for aggression.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/florida-pool-cleaner-shots-intruder-b2366694.html
