Question from a reader:
I have a question about the incident where a junior high school third-year boy killed an elderly woman. If he truly felt that “anyone would do,” then why didn’t he storm into a police station or a wrestling dojo instead? If anyone was truly his target, it makes me think he was specifically aiming for someone weaker.
Considering the Meaning of “Anyone Would Do”
When chatting with friends, sometimes shocking news comes up that makes us ponder. Recently, there was a case where a junior high school boy killed an elderly woman, and I was struck by the phrase “anyone would do.” I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t choose a stronger opponent.
The Underlying Meaning of “Anyone Would Do”
When I discussed this with my friends, one of them said, “If he really meant anyone, he should have gone to a police station or a wrestling dojo.” Another friend suggested, “Maybe it just means he would target someone he thought he could win against.” Indeed, considering the strength and situation of the opponent, there may be a psychological tendency to aim for weaker individuals. I recall when I was in junior high, skating in front of the station with friends; when strong seniors passed by, we all froze for a moment. I still remember that adrenaline rush. It seems that a psychological instinct to back away from those who are stronger than us may come into play.
Cowardice and Fear
One of my friends remarked, “Going to a police station or a wrestling dojo would be cowardly because he wouldn’t want to face retaliation or be caught.” I found this perspective quite valid. Indeed, the very act of choosing an opponent you believe you can defeat feels rather cowardly. We might unconsciously avoid stronger opponents in our daily lives as well. For instance, when deciding to start a diet, seeing muscular people at the gym can make us hesitate.
In Conclusion
This incident has made me reflect on the fear of hurting someone and the psychology behind choosing a target. It highlights the importance of approaching others with more compassion and kindness. What do you think? If you have similar experiences or opinions, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I look forward to discussing this with you!