Hello, everyone.
I know we have a long night ahead, so let’s keep this short.
Speaking at big events isn’t really my style. I prefer small gatherings—backyard barbecues with a drink in hand. That’s where I’m most comfortable.
But sometimes, you have to get out there and rally people when they need a wake-up call. It seems like I often find myself stepping into that role.
And I’m okay with that.
There’s a pressing need for concern
This recent video that has surfaced online is one of the saddest things I’ve seen in a while. It just came out this week.
It shows a woman walking home with her two young kids in Chicago. The older child looks around 8, and the other might be just 6 or even younger.
Right from the beginning, you can sense that this isn’t going to end well. A crowd of about 20 older kids, probably in late elementary or early middle school, is filming. They’re screaming, and, frankly, there are slurs that I can’t even begin to comprehend. I struggle enough with kids’ speech as it is, but this is something else.
You feel the tension building up as the inevitable violence looms. Kids are clinging to their moms, and suddenly, the mob closes in and starts attacking her. They rip the children away and throw them to the ground. The woman goes down as well. When she hits, it’s a brutal scene—kicking, punching, and shouting.
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This left me feeling like we’ve lost something vital in society that we need to reclaim. Why was it filmed? No one shouted “World Star,” but you could feel the essence of that moment. Would any of this have happened without platforms like TikTok, where sharing among friends is so easy?
It’s a troubling mix of internet culture and aggressive behavior. At that moment, she didn’t seem human to them. They weren’t thinking about her pain; they were more interested in capturing it for clout.
Why are kids losing their childhood so fast that they would film an assault happening right before their eyes?
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I was genuinely upset watching this unfold. Honestly, what can you do? Or maybe there’s something we can do?
I sought out more information, and it turns out the woman was pregnant during the attack.
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If there’s any hope for humanity, it certainly isn’t coming from Washington. You won’t find it in mayors and governors or even health officials. When violence erupts, the authorities often seem powerless.
But community matters. With a supportive neighborhood and engaged residents, things can change.
It’s been a while since I felt part of a close-knit community. Nowadays, we’re all just sitting in our living rooms, scrolling through streaming options.
Our lives may be full of entertainment, yet there’s an undeniable sense of emptiness.
What will actually fill that void? Are we just too far gone?
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In the wake of this, another set of videos went viral. A group of parents gathered outside a public school, demanding justice. They wanted accountability from not just the aggressors but their families and local authorities.
Unlike the rowdy mob, this group was composed and determined.
Local news quickly caught the scene, bringing police attention as well.
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The children involved were identified. Witness reports suggest they too were shaken, but maybe not as shaken as the woman they attacked.
They should be scared. Right now, they don’t seem to fear their parents, teachers, or even the law. They need to truly understand the consequences of their actions.
They need a sincere sense of accountability.
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What we’re witnessing raises a lot of questions. Is this a case of justice or just a display of chaotic behavior?
One mother attempted to create a video for her daughter. She seemingly supported her child, who had been part of the mob.
The girl stared into the camera. “With all due respect, this is a child,” the mother stated online.
She mentioned her name tearfully, saying, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.”
The mother’s pain struck me, but the child’s seemed even more profound.
What has happened to us? How did we end up in this place?
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Next, there’s another mob—this time, adults—heading to one of the kids’ homes. They’re gathering outside, live-streaming their actions.
Thumbs up and emojis flood the screens from the audience, showing support.
The speaker discusses the local issues and points at the family involved. Is this genuine concern or merely for the sake of content? Is this why kids film themselves being violent?
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Fortunately, the woman involved is healthy, and her unborn child is doing well. It seems some community members stepped in positively to address the situation.
Still, I question the overall state of society.
This isn’t an isolated incident. There’s a troubling current affecting all of us, and we can’t really pinpoint how to remedy it. With cameras and internet access at an all-time high, some see it as an advancement. The economy may rise, but at what cost?
The well-being of our neighborhoods seems to be declining, whether you live in urban areas or the suburbs.
Throughout history, groups of unchecked youths can be dangerous. Times have changed; so have the dynamics and incentives. Now, children can dramatically alter someone’s life for mere online amusement.
We’re too absorbed in our Netflix binges to acknowledge this decline.
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I think the lesson here is that our humanity still matters, seen vividly within our communities, however scarred they may be.
You could also retreat to your living room; it might feel peaceful. But that would only enable further corruption. Choosing inaction is still a decision.
So, my advice to you is this: make better choices. Get involved in your local community. Start small, make it a family thing.
We can’t afford to just sit back and wait for the next season of something like Stranger Things to roll around and hope things improve.
What I’m reading
A piece in collaboration with the talented Mary Luke and Evie Magazine.
How they made The Boys breakout
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Shake your head…
Socialist Zoran Mamdani continues to ask his supporters to redistribute wealth…to himself
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Hmm
“Quiet, pig”: Trump slams reporter over Epstein question
