On Sunday, June 12, at a gay club called Pulse in Orlando, Florida, the United States experienced the worst mass shooting in American history. 50 people were killed and 53 were injured. The shooters name was Omar Mateen, who has now been shot and killed by Orlando Police. The assault seemed to be organized and planned out.
This attack has raised a lot of questions. It is rumored that this man was a supporter of ISIS. It has also been rumored that his attack was motivated by seeing two men kissing prior to the event. If either, or both, of these rumors are true, then we have to wonder what kind of response is to be had.
Should we blame the many for the actions of the few? My response to this would be no.
If this action was motivated by this man’s support of ISIS, which is a terrorist group that is based from the religion of Islam, then it is important for people to understand that this is not a religion that promotes violence and hate. If we blame the entire religion for the actions that a few select people have done, then we should blame every group for anything that is ever associated with one individual. Would we blame the place that this man obtained an education? Would we blame the company that this man works for? Would we blame his family who have done nothing wrong? If the answer to these questions is no, then why would we blame Islam?
The other rumor is that his actions were motivated by seeing two men kissing. If this is an act that was based out of homophobia, then it is important to understand that this is not the only time this has happened. All around the world members of the LGBTQ+ community are being beaten, raped, and murdered for simply existing. This incident more than anything shows how important having Pride events and advocacy organizations is. Because the purpose of these is to promote understanding and peace. To show people that people within the LGBTQ+ community exist and that we are not attempting to change other people or oppress them in any way. The goal is to make it accepted to be a part of the community so that people who are afraid of what they don’t understand see that this is not something to fear, hate, or enact violence towards.
Regardless of what the motivation behind the attack is, I think that this event is an opportunity for us to learn how important it is to spread peace, love, acceptance and understanding. If we encourage a reaction to this event, it should not be one that encourages more violence and bloodshed, but rather to learn how to approach these situations without the cost of more lives.
