Uni High Gargoyle Staff Blog

I’m sensitive. I know this (which doesn’t stop people from telling me). By sensitive I don’t mean sensitive skin, or sensitivity to light, etc. but plain old “If I see violence against unarmed people I cry” sensitive. I also have “people dying of incurable disease” sensitivity, and “babies somehow getting hurt” sensitivity.

Overall I see this as a good thing. It’s a good character trait to not want people to get hurt, especially if those people are infants. But sadly, I can’t just be shocked and appalled at these things when they appear in movies, documentaries, books, video games, magazines, or television (among others). Most violent occurrences (when they appear in the aforementioned media outlets) make me cry.

This is quite embarrassing, especially since violence is regularly lectured on in history class, featured in movies, and showcased in both television shows and the news. My frequent outbursts, when they receive attention, usually lead to either hugs (if females are present) or ridicule (if my companions are males), both of which are unappreciated.

But before you label me as a crybaby, know that those tears are (usually) tears of anger and an overwhelming desire to do something to help, which usually backfires because I’m too busy crying to do anything. I see this tendency as a serious impediment to my career choice: aid work in impoverished places. Hopefully by then my tear glands will have dried up from overuse and it won’t be a problem anymore.

— Bethany Hutchens