Show Notes:
Listen to these inspiring stories to help you make sense of the senseless murders of children in Texas and Ukraine
I encourage you to read the NY Times article on curbing gun violence by Nicholas Kristoff from 5-24-22
In a typical year, more preschoolers are shot dead in America (about 75) than police officers are
School shootings
School shootings are a complex problem with no easy solutions, but on the other hand, maybe we’re making it more complicated than need be. Dr. Jordan shares research on how people today are lonelier and more isolated like never before
The need to increase contact with people we perceive as different
One reason for our isolation is shrinking social contact with people we don’t know. Not so long ago, strangers talked to each other a great deal in public; in buses, at the airport, in line at the bank. Why? Because there was not much else to do. Today, we’re all plastered to our phones.
Dr. Jordan shares research on how little moments of interacting with strangers gives us a sense of belonging
WWI story of contact between soldiers in the trenches bringing connection
There’s a famous story about soldiers in the trenches on Christmas eve during WWI in 1914 who shared drinks, holiday carols, played soccer, and got to know each other as fellow human beings vs the enemy. People in the trenches would have stopped the war then, but it was the higher ups who were not in contact with the ‘enemy’ who kept the fighting going. We all need more contact with “the other” in order to break down barriers and stereotypes and create the space for conversation and commonalities.
Why there’s a lack of research on gun violence
Dr. Jordan also discusses info from Kristoff’s article about a lack of research on gun violence, largely because the N.R.A. is extremely hostile to such research and Congress rolls over. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did try to research gun violence, Congress responded by cutting its funding.
Our most common strategy to date for curbing violence and school shootings has been to put the responsibility on teachers and little kids, via having intruder drills, learning how to hide and lock classroom doors, etc. so it’s on kids to protect themselves.
3 inspiring stories that shows we are all connected
Dr. Jordan offers up 3 inspiring stories to help you see all children worldwide as OUR children and to remind you that all children belong to all of us.
Contact Dr. Jordan: www.drtimjordan.com