"What tragedies like that of Shkodra have taught us"

By Lutfi Dervishi

What tragedies like that of Shkodra have taught us

1. What is said on the first day is incomplete. The releases, news and statements of the first day are often contradictory and rarely "hit the mark"

2. There is not just one cause. Tragedies rarely have a single cause. Focusing on just one cause leads to simplistic and incomplete explanations.

3. The political and institutional reaction remains only at the rhetorical level. The response from politicians and institutions often remains in words, with statements condemning violence, or with calls for justice.

4. Ethics is the last thing on the mind of the media. In the rush to report on a tragedy, sensationalism takes precedence over ethics. Photos, videos, detailed or even speculative reporting affect not only family members involved in the tragedy.

5. The roots of the family, social, institutional and political crisis remain unanalysed.

6. Reaction to opinion, quick but superficial. After a tragedy, there is often a surge of empathy and solidarity, but that initial surge quickly fades. The attention of the public is taken by the "next scandals"

7. Experts speak, but are not heard? In the event of Shkodra, some experts (psychologists and sociologists) analyzed the causes and gave a broader picture of the roots of the tragedy. Unfortunately, no one listens to them until the next tragedy.

8. Accountability Absent—At first, there are calls for accountability and justice. But with the passing of three days, the media spotlights move on to the next scandal and the zeal to find those responsible dissolves like the morning dew.

9. Inevitable fatalism. When you stick to the conclusion and the actions of "my mother took me away and left my mouth", there is no hope for change.

10. Waiting for the next tragedy. In the absence of reflection and action, the next tragedy is a matter of time.