I don’t think people assume violent crime doesn’t happen or isn’t bad but this is a country that’s normalized gun violence mostly because it means the right to bear arms is secure if you minimize it. You’re bumping up against propaganda. You’re bumping up against intentional indifference. The example of my mother who is totally silent on issues and discussing these hard topics, it’s not because we disagree but instead it’s how she pushes out the terrifying aspects of it. She votes red because that’s what she’s always voted and her pursuit of happiness is limited to her self. Maintaining that void and disconnection is how she maintains that safe state.

Don’t let the radicalization turn you into lashing out at society because people have insulated themselves.