When our choices lead to tragedy

RE: TORONTO TRAGEDY

This latest tragedy in Toronto (and yes, it could be Hamilton) highlights a truth about our society that we must address. As a social worker I witness it on a daily basis: how our stressed-out, hurried, preoccupied society fosters isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and a sense of being adrift in a world that no longer provides a strong moral compass. Add mental illness to this environment and the potential for violence is very real.

As a society we need to become more mindful, compassionate, and more responsive to others’ pain and suffering, be it physical, emotional or mental. Too many of us live beside people for years without any neighbourly contact. This lack of genuine community is bringing about more isolation and a feeling of being disconnected. We have become “human doings” instead of “human beings.” If we want to change this trend we have to find a way to slow down, embrace the values that make for a kinder, more humane world, and reach out to each other. This means to have to find ways to reduce the stressful pace of life that we are presently living with, as individuals, families, employers and work places. We hear a lot about living more simply and mindfully these days, but unless we wake up and apply it, is it useless information, and the tragedies will continue to escalate.

Sandy Amodio, Burlington