Dark Legacy

What is the word beyond irony?

Whatever it is, that is the word to reach for when reading that a father was stabbed with a samurai sword and killed in front of his son — bullies had kicked his soccer ball away — just as his father trying to stand up to neighborhood bullies who were threatening him was beaten to death 23 years ago.

The insanity (and perhaps genius?) passed from Marlon Brando to son Christian that ended both their lives early is perhaps understandable, if tragic. But two dads murdered while standing up for their sons? Inconceivable, even if possible.

** Standing up for a son is the absolute right thing to do; getting shredded in front of your son, not something to pass on to a new generation. **