Butterfly Effect

In the scientific study of the chaos theory, there is a notion referred to as “the Butterfly Effect.” This refers to the idea that even the most seemingly insignificant action could potentially cause far-reaching consequences. For example, the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil could alter the course of a Tornado in Texas. This is similar to the better known “Domino Effect,” but the reaction is harder to predict. Some minor earthquakes are barely felt and are soon forgotten, while others cause a ripple in the ocean that turns into a devastating Tsunami.


Living with four women, I have learned a great deal about “cause and effect.” Usually I know the instant something hurtful or stupid leaves my mouth, simply by the look on their expressive faces. Usually my intention is purely innocent; joking in that foolish way that men tend to do, and the response is not what I anticipated. I would not bruise these women that I love for anything in the world, and yet I am sure they each carry scars from the barbs of my tongue (as I have a few from each of theirs). Unfortunately, it is human nature to say stupid things.

The tiny flap of a butterfly wing can reverberate through the years. A simple comment about an outfit being tight can create body image issues that lead to a dangerous eating disorder or lack of self-esteem. A comment by a parent or respected elder can plant a seed of racism or bigotry that grows into a deeply rooted tree of hatred. There are consequences to everything we do or say.

This week our nation has been stunned by the senseless violence in Tucson, Arizona. Six dead and many more wounded. Within hours the media and pundits had started finger pointing at the potential cause of this tragedy. We “need” a reason in this country. This is America, by golly, and we DESERVE to know “why.” Along with our other God-given and Constitutional Rights…we demand it!

It would be great if every lunatic that does something horrible carried around an envelope with a detailed explanation of exactly what got them to that point. (It would be even greater if that kind of self-awareness led them to seek out help or made them recognizable as a threat prior to their violent action). This is all wishful thinking though, and sadly there will always be crazy people out there who do horrible things which we might never understand.

So, when it comes to pointing fingers, we have to be careful. It’s hard to say whose wings altered the course of Jared Laughner. Much like a chair with a broken leg, if someone is unstable to begin with, it takes very little to throw them off balance. A word here, a nudge there. In a mind distorted by madness, there does not need to be a rational justification.

Still, while I don’t burden the blame for this shooting on anyone other than Jared Laughner, I do believe it is irresponsible for society (and particularly those who have made the choice to position themselves in front of microphones and in our public eye) not to re-evaluate our words and actions. As ridiculous as it may seem to infer that Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, the Tea Party or Rush Limbaugh aided, assisted or intentionally encouraged this deranged gunman to acts of violence, it is just as ridiculous for them to be whining and complaining about the finger pointing while refusing to at least admit that they need to tone down the gun-themed political rhetoric.

Is this really the time to stand on a soap box and proclaim your right to do and say whatever you want? Or is it more responsible to humble yourself and say “I don’t believe my words had anything to do with this horrible tragedy, but this has made me realize that I need to step back and more carefully consider every word I say.”

Although it appears at this time that Jared Laughner acted out of some paranoid delusion that might not be related to any particular political party or ideal, would any of us have been completely surprised if he had shown up wearing a t-shirt pledging allegiance to some far left wing or far right wing party? Would it be so hard to believe that a crazy person might confuse the notion that a gun-site emblazoned on a map is not just simply a call to vote but a challenge to be a patriot and save our nation from evil?

Once again, those who wish to do as they please for their own gain will hide behind the constitution, pleading Freedom of Speech and the dangers of censorship. (They seem to forget the times when they have decried the glut of video games, raps songs and movies with violent or sexual images and lyrics). It’s hard to stand on principle when you have to straddle the fence of hypocrisy.

My point is this…if I can boil it down: Like parents, who have a responsibility to encourage and guide their children with words that build them up without causing damage, LEADERS (and that includes anyone who by word or action is in a position of influence) have a responsibility not to incite. We can have passionate debate without allusions toward violence.

Being irresponsible with words is the same as the social drinker who has a few of glasses of wine at the restaurant week after week with no problems at all driving home. But it only takes one unexpected action…one alteration to the chaos we call normal. Is it better to recognize the potential dangers ahead of time? Or to wait until disaster strikes and look back with regret?

We should not confuse luck, fate or divine providence with wisdom or righteousness. Sometimes it takes a while for the flapping of the wings to do their damage.