[NOTE: The views expressed in this piece are the opinion/analysis of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Guidon, its management, or any Norwich organizations.]
A lot of us are well aware of what transpired this past Wednesday, but for those who aren’t—prolific right-wing commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk lost his life in an act of gun violence. Many of us have had difficulty understanding this sudden event, and an even more difficult time trying to understand what it means for our country. Kirk died not from an illness or terrible accident, but from deep, deep hatred.
The assassination took place during a college campus event in Utah, attended by students not too different from ourselves. He was continuing his events where he encouraged individuals with differing opinions and beliefs to join him in a civil discourse. While others frequently shouted and cursed at him, Kirk maintained a level of professionalism and courtesy seldom seen in the U.S. political sphere. Yet he wanted to foster the space for the individuals who genuinely wanted to engage in that intellectual conversation of differing perspectives. He knew many people strongly disagreed with him, and likely knew that he was potentially risking his safety every time he entered the public in this capacity, but that didn’t stop him.
As such, Charlie Kirk was killed because of intolerance. Someone who disagreed with him could not tolerate another individual with a differing view, and that led them to hatred. From hatred, violence emerges. And in this case, violence not only killed a man, but it also killed a son, a husband, and a father.
We know that nothing good ever comes out of hatred or violence, yet our attitudes towards the diversity of opinions have fostered an environment where division, hatred, and violence are ever-present. We witnessed this with Iryna Zarutska being stabbed in Charlotte this past week. We saw this with the Annunciation Catholic School shooting a few weeks ago. We witnessed this with the Evergreen High School shooting on the same day as Kirk’s assassination as well. Just as we cannot tolerate violence in the face of differing perspectives and hatred, we must not tolerate hatred at all.
As Norwich students, both civilian and cadets, we are called to “tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them.” Moreover, the third guiding value we abide by says that we will “respect the right to diverse points of view as a cornerstone of our democracy.” As future military service members, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, and every career in between, we must not tolerate hatred from those above us or those we lead.
The country we love and aim to defend is rooted in the ability to cooperate with one another without hating one another. As leaders, we must eliminate hatred, and the seeds of hatred, including gossip, grudges, and fear.
Regardless of your support or lack of support for what Charlie stood, and died, for, we must reflect on his commitment to fostering the civic space of peaceful discourse in light of differing opinions. We must see those with different opinions from ours not only as fellow humans, but as individuals committed to solving the very issues we likewise see, although with differing approaches.
If you believe this event does not impact you, you are mistaken. As we move forward, do not let hatred move back into our communities and society. If you see hatred growing, call it out. While we do not fully know how our country will react moving forward, we here at Norwich can stand firm in saying we will not tolerate hatred or violence. We will not stand by idly or quietly when hatred arises. We will call it out and rectify it. That’s what makes Norwich students different. We are not afraid to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong. Hatred and violence are wrong. Love, understanding, and respect are what is right. Let us lead the way in healing our divisions and our country.
Norwich Forever.
