Warning: This article contains graphic language.
Like most Americans, I’ve consumed my fair share of viral stories on the internet over the years—some funny, some heartwarming, some totally insane.
I never once thought that I ever would be at the center of one myself.
What I’ve learned in the weeks since has shown me with disappointing clarity how deep the rot in American media and social culture has spread.
The events of the night of Nov. 19 play over and over in my head. There is no escaping it.
I was out on a jog with my two children when I noticed a pickup truck driving behind us slowly, which should have passed but didn’t. My maternal instinct kicked in, and I jumped the curb with the stroller and darted toward the nearest house.
As I turned up the driveway, the driver pulled in behind me. He began asking me questions: “Can I help you with…