The saying “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme” by writer Mark Twain rings true to this country’s actions. Since the beginning of time to the land which we stand on to this day which was stolen, numerous oppressive acts have been performed and such acts have been extremely detrimental to countless individuals, both in the United States and beyond. 

Throughout history, human beings have mimicked similar actions; however, it is our responsibility to know history. It is our responsibility as global citizens to know what individuals and our government have done before our existence. 

It was an absolute devastation when news reports shared with the public the administration’s decision to separate families due to their zero-tolerance policy for those crossing the U.S.-Mexico border undocumented.Those 3,000 children, whose ages had a wide range, experienced toxic shock one way or another and may continue to experience everlasting effects. 

Toxic stress is created when our body experiences multiple events after we recognize we are in danger. The stress begins in our brain and then alerts the rest of our body. Hormones flood our body and our heart begins to race. Then our blood pressure rises. All of these major changes within our body occur because our body is in the works of preparing for trauma. 

However, our body prepares for trauma more often than you think. The difference between the usual buildup for children and children within the detention centers was that there was no one to comfort them. The workers were not allowed to touch these children; therefore their bodies remained in toxic shock. 

Throughout the summer, I saw countless tweets, Facebook posts and articles saying that individuals have never heard of such a thing. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the United States government separated families. What is crucial is that we do not forget about these children and that we hold those responsible for this inhumane, heartless crime accountable. Because if we don’t, history will only repeat itself. 

 

Monét Davis, a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at MDavis19@wooster.edu.