Climate change: More than a mystery

There has been an ongoing debate among our planet’s dwellers in regard to changing climates and the current and potential effects we experience. The arguments are heavily rooted in politics and science, which, as we've seen for quite some time, do not always align so smoothly. Though the prognosis of our planet is incredibly important, I write about a different change in climate - that of people and they way we perceive and interact with each other.

With the invention of 24 hour news, and more recently, social media, we are constantly inundated with acts of violence, public shame, and disregard for our fellow humans. From terrorist attacks in the Middle East to terrorist attacks in U.S. Schools to street violence, to cyber bullying, to racial tensions and aggressive protests, our culture of anger and hate seems to be growing. Is this disdain new? Has it grown in size and popularity? Are we, as people, really growing less tolerant of each other? Or, does the face of intolerance and aggression just look different?

The answers to the above questions may vary, depending on who is answering. Conclusions are neither consistent nor as concrete and easily defined as some may think. The United States has come a long way since owning, abusing, and trafficking humans, or have we? Sure, slavery has been long abolished. African Americas legally have rights equal to any other U. S. citizen, yet racism still exists. If we broaden the context from slavery to include human sex trafficking, one may have a more difficult time arguing that humans are no longer perceived as objects to be possessed, sold, and used as a vessel for the luxury and convenience of a select few. Case workers with Child Protective Services may also have a counter argument to everyone being treated equally and humanely.Unfortunately, some children continue to be abused, sexually assaulted, and repeatedly demeaned by caregivers ill equipped to ethically and healthfully nurture a young person. Women have risen to power in corporations, family systems, and politics, though some women continue to experience the limiting restraints of the familiar glass ceiling.

After reading the above paragraph, one may begin to feel like this is a narrative borrowed from Lemony Snicket's books; with each improvement comes another obstacle. Don't step off the ledge just yet. After all, improvement indicates gain and progress. The work of Civil Rights leaders, activists, and common people exhibiting kindness are not menial, but impactful. Without the constant invitation of kindness and civility, we as a people, may not understand the wrongs of society to be so wrong. Consider the popular opinion of women, children, minority races, and even animals as recent as 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago, for that matter.

Despite the acknowledgment of growth and compassion, some may still struggle to see how the world is any different in the wake of so much violence. More troops are being deployed to Afghanistan, white supremacy groups are gaining more media attent