Those aren’t my words in the title, they are the words of one of the churchmen involved in the Nottingham University vigil. Unfortunately, I can’t remember which one. It’s been the big news in Nottingham this week – two students (both 19) stabbed to death, a school caretaker (65), stabbed and his van stolen, with it eventually used to run three people down, one of whom is in critical condition.
It’s a familiar fear for those of us with kids, and one of my main feelings, apart from sympathy for the families, is relief that mine manged to get through their youth without serious violence. The family of the caretaker have asked to be left alone. The deaths of the other two have been marked by vigils and flowers. I’m sure the death of the caretaker will be marked more as the days pass. The problem is that no matter how private you want to keep things, there are other people involved, and they need some sort of way to process their grief.
There is a tendency for too many people to get involved these days. It isn’t for me to say what is useful or acceptable in this case. If the parents and students draw strength from a vigil that is their affair. I’m sure that the school will, eventually, have its own vigil to help the kids work through their grief at the loss of a man who appears to have been a well-loved member of staff.
Unfortunately, as usual, people are trying to take a share of the proceedings. The head of the City Council keeps telling us, amongst other things, that Nottingham is a strong and diverse city. Yes, it is, but this is about the deaths of three innocent people, not about the City, and not about the message the leader of the council is trying to promote. Nor is it a tragedy for the city. It’s a shock, but it’s not a tragedy for most of us. The same goes for the message that it’s a safe city despite the murders. That’s not really in question. Murder happens. It’s always a tragedy for someone, but we are generally a safe City and a safe country.
That’s about it. I felt it needed to be mentioned, as it’s a local event, but I don’t want to dwell on it. The families have my sympathy and the city is a safe place despite these events. To say much more would be to hijack the story of others, and there is already plenty of that going on.
Your last sentence is extremely apt. Well done.
Thank you. It’s difficult striking a balance.
My deepest sympathy to the families and to your community, Simon. As Derrick said, a sound response from you, and as Laurie stated, all too common in my country.
We tend to think of the US as quite violent compared to the UK, but in truth you are still quite a safe country. The tragedy of your school shootings is, like our stabbings, that they affect people who are, in the main, just starting out.
The U.S. is a big country, and safe depends on where one lives and who they are. I remember when I heard the report below on the radio. I can barely stand to read about it again.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_James_Byrd_Jr.
Yes, it has been on TV over here. It’s a sad reminder that some members of the human race seem to be going backwards in some respects.
Alas, that kind of story is far too common in the U.S., but rather than knives, guns are used. I, too, am glad my children grew up in a time when this kind of violence was uncommon. So very, very sorry for the families.
Yes, I can’t imagine what it is like to be in this situation. As you say, I am just grateful my kids are getting older and more sensible. Having said that, the van driver was 65, like me. Age isn’t necessarily much protection.
A sound response, Quercus
Thank you Derrick. I thought it was an event that should be mentioned, but am aware that it’s easy to go over the top with such things.