Missing Innocence
– Daiyu Tang
What is wrong with the world, when popular and by all accounts, loved and respected celebrities like Emily Rose can go missing in Hathian, to be later posted to Twitter nearly naked and held hostage because that’s what some Sociopath wanted to do today?
I can answer just a small part of my question by changing the word ‘world‘ to ‘Hathian‘ – a small town in the United States living under constant threat of violence from gangbangers, petty criminals and even elements of the police force. We like to sit in our little homes and think that the violence of Mexico or failed states around the world isn’t applicable in America and yet this kidnapping serves another reminder of the failure of humanity in our little part of the world.
This newspaper has featured the lurid details of plenty of crime before, many of which have been shocking and should serve as a call-to-arms against criminal impunity.
As your journalist, I’m tired readers; I’m tired of how little we manage to break away from them and their games and further, how much of Twitter sits popcorn in hand even if they themselves have suffered. Slowly, the empathy and sense of moral right or wrong fades overtime as barriers are put up and minds close to the violence; now acting only in self-interest or at best to protect their nearest and dearest.
Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil, See no Evil
There’s quote from ‘Lord of the Rings’ where Bilbo, who does not have the strength to do the task of destroying the Ring says “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.” I feel like this readers, although what I think the quote really applies to is this city; OUR Hathian. There are too few of us who are outward looking, wanting each other to succeed and not using any means necessary to fight, screw or otherwise climb over our fellow citizens to get out. We should do better. We have to do better.
What are gangs? Loose or close affiliations of usually like minded individuals who should, ideally, promote their Group and protect themselves. Isn’t it strange how we accept these gangs as fact in Hathian, yet often laugh at the idea that citizens outside of these groups have anything meaningful to contribute except as victims or possibly potential recruits. Figure that next time you play with your kids. The word ‘gang’ has bad connotations, if you’ve read Lord of the Flies, you’ll remember how Jack and Ralph setup their own groups. They did it for protection, common cause and for their ideals that members had to subscribe to. Yet really only Jack and his gang resorted to violence, dehumanising Piggy and eventually killing him for his differences.
People like Tori, the kidnapper who announced what she has done on Twitter are ‘Jack’ and Hathian feeds them. The city feeds them with victims, but worse than that, it feeds them with acceptance for what they do and a bubble in which to do it. Make no mistake, most of these bubbles would pop were the city different and that’s what I, consistently have tried to do… little by little and sadly, with also little to show for it. The wages of journalism are opprobrium against the journalist, pain; physically and mentally and buckets of misunderstanding or purposeful misdirection. But I, and the direction I’ve taken my part of the Observer have tried to make things better.
I’m tired and broken and held together by love, trust and a some metal plates, but still, this is what I do. I’m not even paid for it – I know I’m in the bubble and can’t by myself pop it, but why do you think I write to YOU, my readers. I believe there is a better Hathian out there and even if I don’t manage it, you can, step by step.
Even if you don’t subscribe to my belief, then at least look out for Emily, push HPD to investigate and bring Tori and her group down, again. Emily didn’t deserve to become their plaything and don’t you need beauty and skill in your lives rather than moulded violence and hate? Innocence should be saved where it can be. Please do what you can.
When Criminals can post freely on Twitter
Don’t worry @RyderRiot, we didn’t forget about you and your heartfelt idiocy. Emily sends her thanks! Because of you, I gave her special permission to play with my beloved Yang. Trust me,
@ElbaeCD really knows how to make it feel real good. Should’ve heard the sounds she made.
Tori – (Sadly her self-incriminating Tweets are hidden – but if you want to experience the bubble, maybe she’ll add you)
Alongside images of abuse, which we will not publish, the taunting from Tori to Emily’s friends is also what was sick about this. ‘Look at me and the ‘lesson’ I can teach. Respect me, Respect Me, Respect me’ is how it comes across.
Doing what you can
Emily is a well known and popular TV actress and has also appeared in talent contests, pride festivals and contributed to Hathian events and the community, even getting bid on in a valentine’s auction before being taken ill. Please report any sightings of her to the HPD and her manager and friends in Rize and if you see Tori or her associates call 911 immediately.
I believe in simply moving on and living your life without that type of person around. The best form of revenge is living your life without them, with peace of mind, and not looking back.
Emily at the Talent Contest when asked about taking revenge.
