Speculative fiction has a long history of taking the issues of the day and reframing them in a new context with the hope that people will look at them in a new way. Our "unprecedented" times are bringing all sorts of old ways and old thinking back to the forefront. On Tuesdays, I present "what if?" questions. Previously, the intent was as an idea generator. It still is. But now, I ask that you really think about all the repercussions that these ideas will have. If only these were just thought exercises.
What if you murdered a bunch of people and were celebrated for it? What if someone murdered your family members and was celebrated for it?
It's horrid to admit, but it's happened. I think of a recent murderer who cried in court, claimed self-defense, and got off. He's a hero to some. I can't even imagine the victims families. I would want someone to murder him, even if that's not a nice way to think. I wouldn't do it, but there are some people who the world would be better off without. If I was celebrated for murdering (it wouldn't be murder I suppose under the circumstances) Russian forces in Ukraine, that's fine.
ReplyDeleteI think these mass murderers probably enjoy the celebrity. They belong to certain fringe groups that cheer them on. That's why their names should never be publicized.
I'm pulling my questions from current headlines, so yeah, I'm aware this actually happens.
DeleteI'm thinking of a certain murderer right now, oh yes, so celebrated by the media (the media!) and now others want to follow in his footsteps. Some have, like a young man from near where I live, who live streamed himself in horrific action so other people could admire him and, in turn, do what he did. And if it was my family member who died? I truly don't know.
ReplyDeleteYup, that's why the question. Because that's actually happening.
DeleteHi Liz, Congrats. You won the I Heart Books at Diane's. Would you shoot me your information in the contact form at my blog and I'll get it out to you.
ReplyDeleteI am going to skip this one. I am not sure I could even pull off an anti-hero story like that.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd want to either, to be honest.
DeleteThey do horrible things in certain countries to thieves, murderers, rapists and other poor beggers. Even outraged parents have sought retribution for the what is considered the violation of their daughter and the worst has happened. Only peace stops aggression in its tracks. Its endemic on this planet but we have to believe in good.
ReplyDeleteAside from the visciousness in Ukraine, who is being made a celebrity for being a murderer? Am I under a rock? Putin is being g celebrated by many in his native Russia which is so sad but many loath him too but have either been squashed, sent to the gulag or killed. I don't think I could stand being celebrated for killing another. Think of all the soldiers who received major medals but dealt with severe ptsd. Audie Murphy comes to mind and even James Stewart. My uncle Kurt died June 30th 1945 of his wounds along with 178 other mainly German soldiers. They all died of their wounds all on the same day. Their bodies were bulldozed into a big pit. The Russian army had taken over this part of Germany which was near my mom's hometown. The Germans were the evil beings who( rightly) lost the war. When the Russians marched on, my Oma watched her garden being destroyed by tanks. Everyone was starving and my mom, age 17, was repeatedly raped by 7 Russian soldiers. Am I surprised by what is going on, nope because it's their MO
ReplyDeleteI'm obliquely referring to another mass shooting here in the US, but the question could apply to numerous things that have happened lately.
DeleteYes, the one in Buffalo.
DeleteI don't know what I would do. Probably understand there's something wrong with them, really wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhich them? Although, the answer applies to all the thems, really.
DeleteWhat more is there to say that hasn’t been said a thousand times? It falls on deaf ears.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is true. But I thought it time to actively declare which side I'm on, as I tend not to here on this blog.
DeleteThere something wrong with our society.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
As for the 1st question, I can't think of that happening.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the 2nd question, I will be too numbed to react
In a general sense, while crime is as old as civilization, its celebration in the way it's being done now, is appalling to say the least.
Murderers ought not ever be celebrated.
ReplyDeleteSo if it went in the order of family first, the bunch I would be murdering would be the ones that murdered my family. CELEBRATE that one you murders.
ReplyDeleteThat would be the way to do it. Although, that would be a tragedy that precipitated the whole thing.
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