In the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, symbols of strength by those mourning have proven to shine throughout the “City of Light.”

What voice rings most clearly? A politician’s or an artist’s?

On Tuesday morning, Secretary of State John Kerry met with President of France, Francois Hollande at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris.

The meeting between President Hollande and Secretary Kerry illustrated a simple message. It communicated to the world that the 238-year-old alliance between France and the United States is indestructible.

“France is our oldest ally,” President Obama stated in his address immediately following news of the Nov. 13^th Paris attacks, “the French people have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism.”

Kerry and Holland’s meeting on Tuesday morning put President Obama’s words into action. Following his conference with President Hollande, Kerry visited each attack site throughout Paris, paying tribute to the 129 victims claimed by ISIS.

This memorial procession is typical of politicians. They pay tribute, talk policy behind closed doors and promptly return home.

Kerry’s trip to Paris in January of 2015, following the Charlie Hebdo shooting mirrored his recent trip, images of the Secretary and President Hollande sharing a “big hug” dominated the news. Although on Tuesday, while speaking to the press following his meeting with President Hollande, Kerry controversially compared the motives of ISIS in the recent terror attacks to the massacre at Charlie Hebdo in January.

“There’s something different about what happened from Charlie Hebdo, and I think everybody would feel that. There was a sort of particularized focus and perhaps even a legitimacy in terms of – not a legitimacy, but a rationale that you could attach yourself to somehow and say, okay, they’re really angry because of this and that. This Friday was absolutely indiscriminate.”

Immediately, the statement received criticism from news sources and politicians alike. Sonny Bunch of the Washington Post wrote, “his comments reside somewhere between inane and idiotic.” While New Jersey Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate, Chris Christie stressed for the Secretary to, “get some sleep and shut up.”

The backlash centering on this comment proves that politicians aren’t always comforting. No one wanted to hear Secretary Kerry compare both terror attacks and accidentally call one more, “legitimate” than the other.

Although a firm handshake between Secretary Kerry and President translates as an important image, it doesn’t prove powerful enough.

French people need more than that.

Parisians are angry, upset, and confused; yet despite it all, they continue to celebrate the resilience of their beautiful city through art.

Musicians around the world have honored the Paris attacks through performance. David Martello, a pianist from Germany, sat at a piano outside the Bataclan Theatre, the site of one of the attacks last Friday, and played John Lennon’s, “Imagine,” gathering a large crowd. Several bands, including U2, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, and Motorhead cancelled their performances in respect.

Visual artists and cartoonists have also used their skills to commemorate Paris, Jean Jullien’s, Peace for Paris image has particularly gone viral around the world.

Also on Tuesday morning, Charlie Hebdo published their newest issue, following the attacks last Friday.

The cover image stands on its own: it reads, “THEY HAVE WEAPONS **** THEM, WE HAVE CHAMPAGNE.”

BBC interview asking for Parisians’ opinions of the new cover, a 21-year-old student said, “to me that cover means that even if we suffered those last few days, we’re still living and that’s not a reason for us to stay in our house, we have to leave. That’s what we have to campaign for.”

By sharing this image, Charlie Hebdo, the target of the last terrorist attack in Paris 10 months ago, continues to do what they do best, pushing the boundaries on current events. If Charlie Hebdo can continue to move forward, so can France. This message is powerful and stresses that art can be more vital and necessary in times of tragedy than politicians can be.

On Nov. 14^th, Charlie Hebdo cartoonist, Joann Sfar, communicated their message perfectly, "friends from the whole world, thank you for #prayforparis, but we don't need more religion, our faith goes to music! Kisses! Life! Champagne and Joy! #Parissaboutlife."