That the way in which different tragedies, both personal and collective is dealt with varies should surprise no one, and disappoint most.
I think the desire to give, in whatever way one can, is common when one is aware of someone else's heartbreak/tragedy.
For many, money is all they can offer, as they aren't a neighbour or a relative etc.
That we all only become aware of these tragedies when they are highlighted in the media is one clear cause of differential treatment.
Even when we are made aware of a teen assaulted in Toronto, perhaps w/serious lasting injuries, we don't tend to see follow-up stories on it.
Part of that is that the nature of the tragedy has to be of a scale and/or other unique attribute as to capture the imagination of the media.
Even in a low-crime city, and one w/relatively safe roads, we are inundated by news of crime and traffic accidents such that they merit only a brief mention in media coverage.
I don't think 'GO Fund me' or the like, should be a standard reflex after a tragedy.
On the other hand, we as a society continue to leave gaping holes in our social safety net which is one reason people (sometimes) respond this way.
If we simply had vastly more comprehensive healthcare coverage, and better death benefits as well for low-income folks; Such that there was no financial
barrier to a basic burial/cremation and a modest service, it would reduce the extent to which people are genuinely affected by such tragedy and the manner in
which the broader populace responds.
Addressing the question of media though would be part of any shift; a bit more attention to each tragedy in society and a bit less saturation coverage of larger ones would be great.
Though I'm not sure there's a good mechanism to induce the desired change.
