My brother and I sat in front of the TV Sunday evening watching the numbers accumulate in front of the White House cheering, chanting, & carrying on thinking, “This is the equivalent to when we see the burning of flags and the gathering masses of revengeful or spiteful citizens in other countries”. Aren’t we equally as guilty responding to death in such a way? Though with he, Osama, being out of the picture…it is truly beneficial for our peaceful, political progress globally, but, due to such questionable reaction, is definitely detrimental to our peaceful progress socially; an event not fit to blatantly cheer for or celebrate about…especially with such vindictive implications attached. Some view this event as good trumping evil, but isn’t this just the promotion of violence to rectify wrongdoings? Should we celebrate death even if it is of an enemy? Is there a way to discover peace and instill hope without violence?

Let’s remember MLK’s words. After all, he is the king of social progress and intrapersonal justice:
“I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
-MLK Jr.

Now let’s take a look at some college students’ responses:
NPR Coverage: Responses & Reactions to Bin Laden’s Death
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=135963042&m=135963025

Thoughts on these reactions? How about YOUR reaction?

Photo: Saber, “The American Graffiti Artist.” 2011
http://www.juxtapoz.com/Graffiti/saber-the-american-graffiti-artist-at-opera-gallery-nyc