The amount of crime that people throughout the world have faced is ineffable. Some of the stories people have experienced when it comes to crime are shared, and others are isolated from everything else. According to Valerie J. Callanan of the University of Akron, the media demonstrates a huge influence on whether or not a story is shared due to its financial constraints. Therefore, propaganda and false narratives are spread to convince others that the crime tragedies that have occurred to them are “not valid” enough to share with the world. If this continues to occur, our world will be nothing but a society filled with false truths, crime, and corruption. Either way, no matter how severe a crime may be, everyone has a divine right to hear their voice and story.

Although, there are various ways to approach these specific issues when it comes to crime. It is visible that for some Chinese philosophies such as Daoism, this is an important concept to be discussed and talked about amongst others. 

Daoism was originally developed and founded by archivist Lao Tzu, who believed that one must release the longing for superficial desires that are unnecessary to be present in one’s life. By doing this, one will be following “The Way” of the Dao and will live a more balanced life compared to the others who do not follow this model. Lao Tzu mentions how:

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them —- that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

From this excerpt, what I believe Lao Tzu is trying to suggest is that our experience of life will come with tragedies along the way, such as the corruption and damage that comes along with crime. Although, resisting the truth of the outcome will do nothing but damage the lives of the victims that were harmed. Therefore, the only way for the people affected by crimes to heal is to have their voices heard by the media, no matter how small or large their stories may be.

Additionally, people also receive a lack of representation in their communities due to race and personal income, and some are treated more harshly than others when sharing their crime stories. According to Inequality and Crime by Morgan Kelly, the minority and low-income are overlooked when it comes to solving criminal cases. People considered with higher incomes would be considered more in situations with crime instead. Therefore, studies have shown that there is a significant increase in crime in urban communities since this group of people feels invisible and inferior to the upper class. 

However, the concept of Daoism paves the path of defying what is considered society’s status quo. Especially when it comes to the inequality people face when it comes to experiencing a crime.  

One of the main aspects of Daoism encourages people to withdraw from society and remove themselves from political and social activism. People are expected to live a more simplistic lifestyle in small communities with a lack of government. Lao Tzu makes an additional point that could potentially solve this issue:

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep close to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present” 

What I believe Lao Tzu is trying to amplify is that if people were to keep to themselves within society, the world would be a much more peaceful place, and issues such as crimes would be non-existent. Without oppressors such as the media, the higher classes, and inequality hierarchy systems, everyone would be able to freely live together in unity. Our world would be filled with equality when it comes to one’s voice is heard and the word “corruption” could potentially slowly start to slip away from one’s vocabulary. If people around the world made an effort to make a change, I feel that one day we might be able to live in a more peaceful society where one’s criminal tragedies could be shared. Everyone’s story will be valid and no one will be persuaded to think that the criminal issues they have endured are not “good” enough for the rest of the world to hear.