"Evil only prevails by making it the norm" Maria Popova
Doesn't it seem insane that this could actually happen, that we can with our words and actions, literally make evil seem the norm.
So many times, I have heard apathy where sexual abuse against a child is concerned; that it is everywhere.
Meaning, it is not that unusual that the church has it.
The catholic church has it.
Many churches have it.
Families have it.
It is everywhere.
So, then what?
No point in fighting?
Or no reason to walk out of a family for something that is so normal.
What would make it criminal enough to take action and what action would make it less normal?
Or perhaps what is the abnormal reaction to hearing about sexual abuse against children within your family/church/organization?
When would you leave?
Do you have a drop dead idea of your exit?
I believe it is the non-action upon hearing of abuse, that makes it so normal.
If you don't change the way you respond, it is life as normal.
How many other evil behaviors are you non-responsive to and why?
The lack of treating evil like it is really evil, neutralizes it to appear non-evil.
Evil doesn't change to non-evil nor does it lack the truth.
Evil is.
A crime is a crime whether we treat it as the norm or not.
We are the ones changing it potency...to something more palatable.
What I feel mostly, is that I am the odd duck, the resentful non-forgiving person that holds evil accountable. That I am full of bitterness. And, that is not normal.
I looked up bitterness...for it lies at the heart of resentment.
"Anger and disappointment in being treated unfairly."
Ironically, I believe I had more bitterness about the way I was treated when I didn't respond and make abuse the norm; rather than the act of being abused.
Does this make sense?
Sexual abuse by your father is unfair.
We were all treated unfairly.
I however, got a double blow of 'unfairness'.
I looked up unfairly.
"in a manner that is not in accordance with the principles of equality and justice."
What seems most abnormal to me was the way the treatment of me, does go against the principles of equality or justice.
I was treated WORSE than the original evil doer.
Insanity.
The original criminal was taken care of.
He was treated with equality and justice.
Literally respected by the actions of many.
This, my friend, is how evil is made the norm.
And, how the victims who rise against it are treated NOT in accordance to equality and justice.
When you withdraw your feelings of injustice; you are now a full collaborator.
Me, I will hold on to the injustice of sexual abuse of a child.
It will not rise to the norm in my world.
