 "Photo:")
With all the debating back and forth on abortion, I figured I had to weigh in. I am not pro-life or pro-choice. I am from a sect of the population that thinks the whole quibble about such things is ineffective.
I will never understand things like printing the side of a U-haul with a photo quality reprint of a bloody fetus. I have also seen a pin worn by many activists, which prominently features the image of a wire coat hanger with the words "never again" under it. I think the image that this conjures up is also unsettling. These shock tactics are little better than People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals likening animal slaughter to the Holocaust, a gross exaggeration meant to shock people into agreeing with whatever viewpoint you hold.
There are many upsetting things the majority of the world population does not agree with, like rape, murder, torture and child abuse. I have never seen a vehicle or a button portraying these occurrences to keep murderers and rapists at bay. I do not understand this either. Why are people more willing to use shock tactics to deter their peers from having an elective medical procedure? Why are we not using this effort and animosity to protest things we can all agree are awful, like homicide and rape? Why don't we attempt to prevent things like this?
Think of the time, money and effort that went into printing that fetus on the truck. Why are we not taking the same time to protect the children who are already here? According to disastercenter.com, in 2005, 405 people were murdered and 1,421 people were raped in Louisiana. These are your neighbors - living, breathing people. Why is there no cry out for them? Shock tactics are worthless expressions of fear in my humble opinion, but the well organized demonstrations on both sides of the issue of abortion impress me. I see a potential for something really worthwhile.
I have never heard anyone describe themselves as pro-death. I think no matter the standpoint, death is pretty wretched. Why not make an effort to keep people alive and safe instead of arguing about whether or not they get here that way or not? Abortion is beyond a personal decision. Why not stand up for those who do not have a choice? There are living, breathing victims all around us. Virginia Tech is just a reminder that this is all too real and tangible. Do not be pro-death.
----- Contact Samantha Pleasant at spleasant@lsureveille.com
Be the first to comment on this article!