03/20/2024: A Slap on the Hand
After an eye opening story/documentary, I am forced to contemplate trust on a new level. Adults are supposed to be the example, for their children and even the general population of people. Children and young adults look up to and trust these figures not to let them down. But when the day comes that they do let them down, the harsh reality is revealed about human nature and the cruel world we live in.
It’s one thing when it’s a little white lie. It is entirely another when a person manipulates you, establishes a false trust with you and proceeds to do unspeakable things to you afterwards. What could an innocent child even think when their trust in someone they thought they knew is shattered and their innocence is violated? It’s so sad to think about, and even more devastating that those so-called role models feign innocence, and even go so far as to blame an innocent child for “asking for it,” or “creating temptation.” They will stand by the notion that it’s the child’s fault that they grow up to be damaged shells of themselves, that it’s their own doing that caused them to spiral out of control.
I can’t imagine what that must feel like, to genuinely feel crazy and alone, to feel like there is no justice for those who have brought harm to innocent people. The most shocking thing about it all is that at the end of the day, the example-setting adults stand behind their fellow friend, colleague, what have you, and fully support and excuse their unforgivable behaviors. It’s truly disgusting how loyal people are even with the evidence right in front of them.
Why do we fight so hard as humans to justify those who deserve no justification? Is the denial so strong that we just can’t be convinced that those wrongdoings were committed by someone who also abused our trust? What message does this send to any victim of vile acts, to anyone who continues to struggle in the dark with past trauma that they are forced to take accountability and responsibility for? These terrible people don’t have to pay for their crimes, and so they will never learn.
Why would anyone want to be better when society demands no such effort from them? It’s not like a simple “sorry” could ever absolve anyone twisted enough to violate an innocent child, but it would go a long way if these criminals could be viewed as wrongdoers who aren’t above the law. If only money didn’t make the world go ‘round. But sadly this is the truth of it all, at its core. Fame and fortune have transformed us into monsters who suffer no consequences. A slap on the hand and then the world carries on.