Stop Normalizing Everyday Aggression!

“So Much Violence Ends in Silence”

Photo courtesy of author

I’m borrowing the subtitle from Jewel’s song “Stand” on her 2003 album 0304. A playful, self-aware record that teases pop culture instead of taking itself too seriously. That idea guides me now as I share three moments from one day when “so much violence ends in silence” and how much of it could disappear if we all dialed down our own sense of self-importance.

Morning… Two kids on bikes

Sunday morning, my wife and I take our dog out for a walk. One block from home, we meet a woman with a small dog. Our ten-month-old Weimaraner is eager to play. Her dog, “recently sterilized,” apparently, is supposed to take it easy.

“Let them play a bit.” There is tension in her voice.

She nods toward two children on bikes across the street, one maybe ten, the other even younger.

“They were riding on the pedestrian path,” she says. “I told them to be careful. They started yelling, calling me names, then followed me. I got scared. I am glad you are here. They backed off when they saw you. I think they are afraid of your dog.”

The kids stare, then pedal away. “I should go home now and let my dog rest,” she says, thanking us. I am not sure for what. Our dog, our presence…