What Fuels the Battle?

Do we really understand what drives our world, or are we merely pawns in a game controlled by unseen powers? Inflation isn’t an act of God, nor are many other societal issues. Much of what we experience stems from human decisions—decisions made by people and systems most of us never see.

Take gun violence, for example. In 1972, the first national study on televised violence revealed a clear connection: the more violence shown on TV, the more it manifests in real life. Rather than reducing violent content, the media leaned in—integrating violence into cartoons to hook younger audiences.

Fast forward 50 years, and we’re living in a world where mass shootings dominate headlines. Children are more likely to die from gun violence in schools than from almost any other cause. Violence saturates TV, streaming platforms, and video games, ensuring even the youngest eyes see it as normal. How else would a six-year-old bring a gun to school and shoot a teacher?

This isn’t random. It’s a symptom of larger societal shifts.

In recent articles, I’ve explored how our world is changing: growing populations, declining morals, youth facing unprecedented challenges, divisive politics, and the rise of artificial intelligence. It’s hard to separate what’s real from what’s fake—especially on social media.

At the heart of it all, there’s a battle raging between two major value systems. On one hand, we all want the same basic things: safety, family security, and the ability to enjoy life. Yet discord persists. Two people can see the same situation and draw entirely different conclusions. The media often amplifies these divisions, feeding us selective truths.

So, what’s the real battle?

• Is it the rich vs. the poor?
• Whites vs. other ethnicities?
• Men vs. women?
• Humans vs. the planet?
• Or is it something deeper—good vs. evil, truth vs. deception?

Sometimes, I think it’s as simple—and as complex—as the eternal battle between God and Satan.

Like Rodney King famously asked: Can’t we all just get along? What will it take for humanity to finally come together?