In the sprawling, war-torn universe of Warhammer 40,000, few concepts are as chillingly iconic as the Dreadnought. For those unfamiliar, Warhammer 40k is a dystopian tabletop game set in the 41st millennium, where humanity is locked in a perpetual, brutal war against countless alien and supernatural threats. Amidst this galactic conflict, the Space Marines stand as humanity’s elite warriors – genetically enhanced superhumans devoted to the Emperor and the Imperium of Man.
A Warhammer 40k Dreadnought, a war machine piloted by the enshrined remains of a fallen Space Marine, embodying the concept of service beyond death.
When a Space Marine falls in battle – as millions inevitably do in this unending war – their service may not truly end. If their body is not utterly destroyed, a grim fate awaits some. Their salvaged remains, specifically their central nervous system, are interred within a Dreadnought. These are towering, heavily armored war machines, walking tanks piloted by the enshrined, barely living remnants of the fallen hero. Trapped within their metallic sarcophagus, these warriors are denied the peace of death and instead forced to continue fighting for centuries, even millennia. Their mournful, yet resolute mantra, “Even In Death I Still Serve,” encapsulates this bleak, dystopian reality. It’s a powerful quote that speaks volumes about duty, sacrifice, and the grim nature of existence in the 41st millennium.
The Dystopian Echo in Our World: Ryan Carson’s Tragedy
This chilling phrase from a fictional universe, “even in death I still serve,” took on a disturbingly real-world resonance recently with the tragic murder of 31-year-old Ryan Carson in Brooklyn, New York. On an early Monday morning, Carson was senselessly stabbed to death while walking home with his girlfriend after a wedding. The attacker, 18-year-old Brian Dowling, launched an unprovoked assault, captured on video, as Carson bravely attempted to shield his girlfriend and de-escalate the situation. Carson died a hero, protecting the woman he loved.
This heartbreaking story, a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the everyday heroism of ordinary people, should have been met with universal sorrow and respect. Instead, the internet, in its all-too-familiar descent into darkness, was flooded with ghoulish reactions, seeking to exploit Carson’s death for political point-scoring before his body was even cold.
Weaponizing Grief: The Online Scavengers
The debate surrounding crime and criminal justice reform is a crucial one in America. However, the tragedy of Ryan Carson became another battleground in this already fraught discourse. Because Carson was a progressive activist, some corners of the internet, fueled by figures like Andy Ngo, saw his murder as a twisted form of comeuppance. The logic, as twisted as it is, went something like this: Progressives advocate for less punitive criminal justice policies; therefore, they are “soft on crime”; therefore, they “deserve” to be victims of crime.
This grotesque line of reasoning not only dehumanizes Ryan Carson but also reveals a profound lack of empathy and basic human decency. It ignores the complex realities of crime and punishment, reducing a human life to a mere political football.
Well, I’ve seen enough Andy. May as well have given him the chair.
A critical meme targeting Andy Ngo, highlighting the perceived cruelty and inhumanity of his commentary on Ryan Carson’s death.
Andy Ngo, in particular, spearheaded the effort to smear Carson’s character, digging through his social media for any perceived transgression to justify the online vitriol. The “evidence” unearthed? Carson had made light of Rush Limbaugh’s death, expressed mild criticisms of the NYPD, and made jokes about politicians – all protected forms of expression in a free society, and hardly indicative of a person deserving of violent death. His girlfriend wearing an “ACAB” shirt was also presented as some form of damning indictment. These flimsy pretexts were twisted into monstrous caricatures to rationalize the indefensible – celebrating the death of a man who died protecting his loved one.
Beyond Political Points: Recognizing Shared Humanity
It is crucial to engage in thoughtful discussions about crime, its causes, and effective solutions. There are legitimate debates to be had about policing, prison reform, and societal factors contributing to violence. However, these conversations must not come at the cost of basic human empathy and respect for the sanctity of life.
Ryan Carson was not a politician, nor was he defined by his political opinions. He was a human being who dedicated his life to helping others. He founded “No OD NY” after losing a friend to overdose, working tirelessly to combat the opioid crisis through overdose prevention centers and Narcan training. This vital work, which undoubtedly saved lives, was conveniently ignored by those eager to paint him as a villain.
Even if one disagrees with Carson’s political views, or anyone’s for that matter, it should never justify celebrating their violent death. To do so is to descend into a moral abyss, abandoning the very principles of humanity and compassion that should bind us together.
The Rotting Hole: Dehumanization and Online Cruelty
The impulse to dissect a victim’s life for reasons to justify their suffering is a disturbing symptom of a deeper societal malaise, exacerbated by the anonymity and distance afforded by the internet. These online vultures, safely hidden behind their screens, would never dare to voice their cruel pronouncements to Ryan’s grieving girlfriend or family. Their cowardice is as profound as their cruelty.
Imagine the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one in such a violent manner. Now, compound that grief with the added torment of strangers online dissecting their life, searching for flaws to rationalize the tragedy, and declaring they somehow “deserved it.” This is not just disagreement; it is a calculated act of dehumanization, designed to inflict further pain on those already suffering.
This instinct to celebrate death, to find joy in the suffering of others, is not confined to one side of the political spectrum. It is a bipartisan form of online ghoulishness. The “Leopards Eating Faces” phenomenon, where schadenfreude reigns supreme as individuals face consequences they seemingly invited, is a chilling example of this widespread erosion of empathy. Whether it’s celebrating the deaths of those who didn’t adhere to COVID guidelines or reveling in the misfortune of those with opposing political views, this impulse is equally abhorrent.
Reclaiming Humanity: A Call for Empathy
Death is not a political tool. Tragedy should not be weaponized. Ryan Carson’s life, and his heroic death, should serve as a somber reminder of our shared humanity. He, like all victims of violence, deserves respect, mourning, and support for his loved ones. His legacy should be one of compassion and service, not a twisted justification for online cruelty.
Just as the Dreadnoughts of Warhammer 40k serve as grim reminders of duty beyond death, Ryan Carson’s life and sacrifice should serve as a call to reclaim our own humanity. “Even in death I still serve” in the grim darkness of the far future is a lamentable fate. In our world, let’s choose to serve the living with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to building a more compassionate society, where even in disagreement, we recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human life.
