When local tragedies make national news, we should at least try to learn a lesson from them. Too often, I find myself getting worked up about a publicized tragic event. Then, when the media moves on to the next tragedy, I just follow along without any closure on the last one. I don’t think that’s emotionally healthy for me… or anyone else, for that matter. Maybe you agree.

Consider the Trayvon Martin case back in 2013. What was your takeaway lesson from that local, tragic event made widespread national news? Have you ever thought, ”What if Martin had continued on home instead of turning around to confront Zimmerman?“

Nine years ago, I guess I was trying to find a positive lesson from this story to pass on to my son. This is what I posted on FB:

… Meanwhile, in an alternate universe, a 17-year-old boy runs inside his father’s house saying, “Dad, I don’t like your neighborhood. Some creepy dude followed me all the way home!”
At the same time, on a call into 911, a man is recorded saying, “Whoa… well, he just went into a house. He must live there… my bad! Sorry about that, I got ahead of myself. Cancel my call.”
Followed by the voice of a nameless dispatcher saying, “Ok sir… you have a nice day.” (click)

Based on what I wrote back then, my hope was that if my underaged son was ever mistaken for a burglar by an overzealous neighborhood watchman, he would choose to come straight home, or even call 911 himself. Anything but confront the grown man alone.

The media used this case to push the idea that white men were hunting down black boys on neighborhood streets. Do you remember how even the President even got involved with that narrative? Years later, the division that came from this media push has never been mended. But the truth is that Martin wasn’t being hunted by Zimmerman. More, if Martin had continued on home to his father’s house, he’d be alive today.

Maybe, after these tragic national events, we should actually take the time to engage in a post-event analysis; and if we are honest with one another, maybe our society can reach a point of collective emotional closure with each one. Wouldn’t that be better for all of us?