3 Short Stories Explain What’s Happening in America

Has it ever been this bad before? Yes.

Photo by Joshua Sukoff on Unsplash

Are you shocked or confused by the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol building last week?

Everyone has their hot take on it, but I want to offer you something a little different.

I’m not here to give you my opinion, rather I hope to offer you perspective. I offer it wether you’re an American who watched in horror as the scene unfolded, or you live in another country and you can’t believe this is America.

I want to share three very short stories with you. Why stories? Because stories help us find our place in life. They teach us how to live, and how to respond when we face adversity.

These 3 stories will give you insight into this current crisis, and afterward, I’ll explain how.

1. Blood in the Streets

Late one afternoon in March, an unarmed teenager downtown gets into an argument with an armed law enforcement officer. The officer strikes the teen with his firearm, and the teen cries out in pain attracting the attention of others in the area. Soon, a large crowd gathers presses in around the officer.

Reinforcements arrive for the officer and they attempt to quell the situation. But the angry crowd throws objects at the officers and yells insults at them. In the mayhem, the officers lose their cool and fire into the crowd, instantly killing three civilians and wounding several others.

A media firestorm ensues. Different outlets publish pieces detailing the events of the sooting. In the process they incite national outrage on behalf of those killed.

Public outcry grows, and the officers involved are put on trial. Against all expectations, they’re acquitted after only 2.5 hours of deliberation.

2. Violence in the Chamber

One evening in the U.S. House of Representatives, discussion over a new race-related law dominates the floor. It’s late and tensions run high.

While making a passionate speech in favor of the new law, a Republican Congressman steps over to the Democratic side of the House chamber. Annoyed, a Democratic Congressman interrupts…