Displays of Authenticity (20)—Unfathomable

One year ago on Round and Square (15 December 2011)—Fieldnotes From History: Rain
Click here to read the introduction to the Round and Square series "Displays of Authenticity"

Some things are just beyond belief. By definition, our reactions are "authentic." How could they be otherwise when we are in uncharted territory? I have no intention of analyzing—overthinking—these matters today. That is reserved on these pages for more ordinary matters, not this. Everything is just too raw.

I do urge all of us to do some thinking, though. Above all, we should consider how we process these experiences. That's authenticity, not overthinking. I agree with the president's remarks today; we have seen too much of this...and...we have never quite seen anything like it. 

My greatest fear is that we'll get on with life just a little too quickly. 

Again.

I hope not. I hope that we can spend more time than usual thinking about the victims, reflecting on who we are as a nation, and getting serious about what is wrong.

Because something is most definitely wrong.