The explosions at the Boston Marathon were tragic. When it comes to terrorist attacks in America, the death counts, injuries, levels of destruction and eye-witness accounts are pointless. They are all terrible, and the world would be a better place without them.
As Americans, we struggle with terrorism in our country because of how "secure" and "powerful" our government would have us believe we are. Unfortunately, news media outlets use opportunities like the Boston Marathon explosions as a stark reminder that you are not safe.
I'm here to say otherwise. Rather, I'm here to say that you aren't any less safe since Monday.
Major news networks strive for sensationalism. The Boston Marathon explosions have been slapped with labels like "tragedy," "unforeseen," "bloody," "unexpected" — whatever pulls the ratings.
The unfortunate reality is that acts of terrorism happen all over the world on a daily basis. Not to belittle our American tragedy in Massachusetts, but people suffer tragic and unjust deaths by the hour.
Furthermore, several bits of information that news media outlets tried to pass as factual on Monday have been proven false. After digesting that list, it's safe to say that news outlets like Associated Press and the New York Post assumed the worst.
All embellished assumptions aside, this event is still tragic, but terrorism is part of reality.
Terrorist attacks are a cost that we pay for living in a democratic and "free" society. In giving and trusting an entire population with inalienable rights, there are bound to be people who abuse and exploit those rights.
And though they are few, there have been and always will be radicals, maniacs and terrorists who live as American citizens.
In the wake of the Boston Marathon explosions, news reports (striving to be leading experts and voices on action) suggest that fear and increased awareness of "possible threats" are the answer.
Relax. Terrorist attacks exist to cause fear. Responding with fear is an admission of defeat.
If anything, these attacks are a reason to unite. They're a call to bring down self-constructed divides such as political parties, religions and races. Even if these attacks were brought upon by an American-born terrorist, responses of fear are not the answer.
Tragedy acknowledged, the Boston Marathon explosions haven't changed a thing. Our rights aren't going to be lost to martial law. We are not suddenly in orange-alert danger. Tomorrow isn't going to be different.
Do whatever you see fit for this grave occasion: pray, mourn, donate to charity, keep closer connections to distant family.
But being afraid of the public forum, of life and new days, is a waste of time.
Stay strong and resilient. Never be afraid. After all, terror doesn't exist until we say it does.
Reach the column at mschan1@asu.edu or follow him at @MorganSukotto
