"It is my contention that most people are not mugged every day, that most people in this world do not encounter violence every day. I think we prepare people for violence, and I think just as importantly we prepare people for the definition of being gentle"

Bob Keeshan draws attention to the unnecessary normalization and expectation of violence in society by highlighting that, for the majority, daily life is free from direct violent experience. His assertion begins with the observation that most people rarely, if ever, experience personal attacks or severe confrontations on a regular basis. The point here is not to deny the existence of violence, but rather to question why society so often focuses on it as an inevitable or ever-present threat.

Keeshan implies that cultural narratives and societal conditioning can generate a state of perpetual readiness for violence, perhaps even fostering fear or suspicion where it need not exist. Instead of accepting the rarity of violence as a reassuring fact, cultures may prime children and adults alike to see danger lurking everywhere, making defensive or aggressive responses seem like the default. Media, politics, and even some educational systems can reinforce this perspective, shaping people to expect and prepare for violence, sometimes at the expense of mental security and positive social interaction.

Equally significant to Keeshan is the idea of preparing people for gentleness. He argues that society has a responsibility not only to mitigate actual risks but also to nurture qualities like patience, empathy, and compassion. Being gentle is not merely about the absence of violence; it requires active cultivation and positive reinforcement. Children and adults who learn and witness kindness, understanding, and respectful problem-solving are more likely to grow into peaceful, resilient individuals.

Keeshan's insight challenges us to reconsider what we emphasize in raising the next generation. If our societal focus remains fixed on defending against violence, we risk overshadowing the equally vital task of fostering gentleness and cooperation. The ultimate suggestion is to create a balanced approach, preparing individuals both to navigate risk and to value, seek out, and propagate gentleness in their daily lives.