By Georgie Bright Kunkel

The world has always been thus, as they say. Yin and Yang, good and bad, you name it. We are constantly torn between two opposing forces in life. Religion rose to temper the forces of evil. At the same time that the teachings of Jesus included turning the other cheek, the Crusaders battled across Europe wiping out everyone in their path. Their mission was to restore Christian control. Let us not forget Genghis Khan who built an empire that had not been equaled. When I am discouraged about women not ever having been given equality under our constitution I say to myself, “Well, at least we aren’t living in the time when violence ruled throughout the world.” There was always a time that was worse than the time we are now living in.

But no matter how many churches were built, the forces of evil often could not be stamped out. There have even been religious wars involving opposing factions that took up arms. It is clear that even religious colleges brag about their competitive football teams. And what activity is more violent than football? Recently there has been an outcry concerning this dangerous sport. No longer can the injuries including brain concussions be swept under the rug. But who will tie the bell on the cat as it were? Who will bring down the vast institution of football with the huge stadiums housing people who sit and cry for the opposing team’s blood? Many years ago a prestigious magazine included an article disclosing the danger of this battering sport. But no matter. Young boys dream of being football stars. Young girls, not allowed to play football, dress in skimpy garb and dance about on the sidelines hoping to gain reflected glory from just being in the vicinity of the football jocks.

President Obama recently held a press conference and invited a young woman who spoke out about the fact that she had suffered numerous concussions playing the sport of soccer. After years of encouraging young people to compete in dangerous sports there is now a move to finally admit the danger involved. Years ago when I was an elementary school counselor I visited a junior high to talk with a counselor there and on entering the building was confronted by bulletin boards covered with posters filled with the excitement of the upcoming football game. One poster had this message: KILL, KILL, KILL THE OPPOSING TEAM. Here I was sitting in my counseling room with small groups of students helping them learn cooperation and empathy. At the same time they were getting messages of condoned violence.

This did not dampen my desire to continue my group sessions, helping these young children to learn respect for the opinions of others. No one could speak twice until everyone else in the group had spoken. Putdowns or negative comments about another student were forbidden. Encouragement was fostered. Finding something positive to say about others was always accepted. Children who often were afraid to speak up in a large classroom were encouraged to take their turn in conversation. After all, what is school for? It is to help each student to realize potential and to encourage the participation of each one so that as they go out into society, they can make their own unique contributions. When society finally matures enough to provide for each and every young child the nourishment and growth experiences that they need, the world will no longer have to bar its doors against those un-served children who grow up to be criminal.

Not all such unruly children turn their lives around but with the help of each one of us in society, the world can become a better place.

Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.