Anger excites the nerves of the internet. A young boy, 5 or 6, beaten by 3 men. A hate crime, says the video. Bullies. Rascists. Child abuse.
There is a crowd. men and women, young and old. Some join as time progresses. The child is afraid. He is crying out, hoping for a saviour. He is holding back the flowing blood coming from the break in his head.
And no one moves from the crowd.
And this video circulates. 15 millions views. 30 million views. Disgust runs up the spines of the American, sitting in their chairs, watching a crisp screen. Comforted by their safety.
There is no bully for them. No child abuse. And so they watch what happens, just as the crowd. just as the man behind the camera.