On bin Laden's Death

The death of Osama bin Laden’s death was greeted by a massive number of tweets, updates, and news bulletins. The news spread rapidly as confirmation was received that the death had occurred. I distinctively remember feeling mixed emotions; on the one hand, I was glad that this human being would never have a chance to end anyone’s life. However, just as we have experienced already in this class, there is so much more to a story than the truth. Although bin Laden was a murderer, he was still a member of the human community, a member that reminds us of the interconnectivity of humanity. With his death, although we might not grieve because of the actions he took to end so many lives, a part of us must acknowledge that he was human along with us.

Relating this interconnectivity to Cat’s Cradle, we can see that the idea of being tied to other humans is essential. For instance, the karass serves as a connection between two humans who are both working on the same “team.” It is important to note that Jonah doesn’t even personally know Dr. Hoenikker, yet still considers him a part of his karass. Therefore, this indicates that connections with individuals of humanity do not even need to be personal. These connections merely illustrate that so much is happening between spirits of individuals. For Bokononists, the only thing that they really hold secret is their fellow man. While we may not openly sob for the death of bin Laden, it would behoove us to understand the darker picture of man.