Written by Von Kennedy

Boston, Newton, Aurora, 9/11, Columbine, Oklahoma City and other American attacks will have a place in the hearts of many Americans. We all remember where we were and what we did to help. But what have we done with our fellow Americans to remain united afterward?

In wake of the tragedies in Boston and the capture of one of the terror suspects, Americans and our law enforcement proved once again that we will not be oppressed in the “land of the free.” Yet we again showcased to the world that Americans are selective at best when it comes to courage in the “land of the brave.”

Mass Murder tends to bring everyone together for the sentimental stories created in the aftermath, but the simplest of causes that affect us every day are neglected.

When mass and social media make it a point to create the topics that Americans care about, politicians, activists and political pundits seem to be the first to use the problem at hand for eventual change and to garner support; yet outside of times of gloom, they cannot agree on ratification as a whole to support or restrict gay marriage in our country.

Sports also perpetuate the recurring behavior of galvanization in our country.

Sports are used to cope with tragedy especially in cities where tragedy has occurred, but eventually, what happens in high pressure situations between rivals does not result in fans singing “Kumbayah.”

In Game 1 of the New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics playoff series on Monday, the two teams made statements about the recent events that occurred in Boston the previous week. The Knicks play in the same division as the Celtics and are considered their arch rival.

Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony spoke on behalf of his team being united in the cause with Boston victims, but when Celtic team captain Paul Pierce spoke on behalf of his team, a small percentage of the Madison Square Garden crowd booed as he spoke.

Are these people at fault for being insensitive to mass murder and chaos or do they just hate the Celtics no matter what?

This conundrum personifies America as a whole. When is it acceptable to be united and when is it appropriate to continue our country’s natural division? The people in the crowd that night were not upset that Pierce spoke about healing from tragedy; they booed him because he was a Celtic in a playoff series against the beloved hometown team.

Tragedy gains sympathy when it is covered extensively on CNN and other news organizations. Not when your favorite team plays our favorite team.

Tragedy is only Neosporin to the scratched leg of America when it comes to keeping us together; but like every wound, a scab will develop and we as Americans continue to pick at it to start the process over again.