Thread by @niktaylorde

My sincerest condolences go to the friends and families of everyone involved in the helicopter crush that saw the passing of Kobe Bryant.

That being said, there are some things that need to be addressed. (a thread)

Others have already brought some of these issues up, and have been unfairly shamed and dismissed, or even lost their job for it, so I'm just going to repeat their words because I feel compelled to speak up.

Stick until the end before jumping to conclusions, context is important.

1. "Kobe brought this on himself and others paid the price"

Some have pointed out the puerility of traveling by helicopter for a few miles when there are safer and less polluting alternatives, and how this "whim" cost the lives of a number of people.

Kobe was a multi millionaire, and used his privilege and wealth for a helicopter ride because he refused to sit through traffic like everyone else, and in this, he involved his own daughter and other people, too. This is a simple example of bad choices and consequences.

I can see how it may seem insensitive to bring this up, at this time, but it's a valid point to make, especially considering that in recent times we have become more aware about climate change and its causes, and this incident is very much part of the problem.

If we can take away anything from this tragic loss, it's that the rich have to re-evaluate their responsibility and accountability and start making better choices, for everyone's sake, including their own lives, because it can very well end up like this.

2. "Kobe was a rapist"

Many have expressed discomfort in seeing everyone mourn someone directly linked and involved in a rape case, and it's their right to do so.

Survivors don't owe mourning, or explanations for their lack of mourning, to anyone.

thedailybeast.com/kobe-bryants-d…

I have seen so many people bring this up and be completely not only dismissed, but also shamed for bringing it up in the first place. This is victim-shaming by definition, and it's disgusting.

I won't mention anyone in particular because I don't want to contribute to the piling.

@feliciasonmez was fired simply for tweeting a link to the story of Kobe's case.

It's absolutely outrageous that a journalist lost their job for reporting factual information about a public figure.

dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7…

I started this thread with condolences because I believe it's the right thing to do when you want to address things like these, especially when the wound is still open. I admit that some of the people that have brought these issues up may have worded their takes poorly and -

- didn't have the touch to pay respect to the families of those who have lost someone in the crush, but this doesn't make their takes any less valid or justify the vile replies they've been recdiving. I'm frankly shocked that there's controversy around recognizing these things.

I believe I can speak for everyone when I say that no one actively wanted Kobe, his daughter, or anyone involved, dead.

The situation is just complex enough for everyone to have different perspectives on it.