What celebrating bin Laden’s death says about our national psyche

What celebrating bin Laden’s death says about our national psyche
The death of Osama bin Laden evoked feelings of patriotism among many Americans. Getty/Mario Tama
What celebrating bin Laden’s death says about our national psyche
The death of Osama bin Laden evoked feelings of patriotism among many Americans. Getty/Mario Tama

What celebrating bin Laden’s death says about our national psyche

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News of Osama bin Laden’s death evoked cheers and chants on the streets of many American cities. Some were joyful that bin Laden had finally been punished for causing so many deaths. Some felt patriotic and viewed the death as a victory for America.

But there have also been questions – about whether it is appropriate to revel in any death.

For answers Eight Forty-Eight turned to philosopher Stephen Asma. He teaches Philosophy at Columbia College Chicago. His latest book is Why I Am a Buddhist.