After a terroristic attack, it is likely that you or someone you know has shown support to those who have been affected by changing their Facebook photo to their flags colors and posting Instagram posts. This is garbage and let me tell you why.
This doesn't actually really help anyone. It gives people an opportunity to talk about that one time they were in France 5 years ago. And even if they aren't that shallow and self-centered, it's just a hand on the shoulder to those across the ocean saying, "Hey, we have your back. Prayers." What does that do for them really? Cool, millions of people who have no idea what they are thinking, feeling, and witnessed are thinking of them for a few days. But what about after that? What about after those couple of days and the next tragedy hits and everyone begins to focus on that? These people are still aching and have not recovered.
Making this point even clearer to those of you who still might not be getting it, New Orleans is still struggling nearly 11 years after Hurricane Katrina. While not a mass shooting or terrorist attack, it was a diaster and tragedy killed many. Those who survived were left without homes, cars, jobs, pets, and most importantly a sense of security.
And what about seven years ago when Seung-Hui Cho massacred Virginia Tech? Do you think that those who lost a friend, brother, sister, son or daughter have stopped thinking about that day since then? Do you think that a facebook picture really helped consoled their broken hearts.
Instead of changing your profile picture, consider doing something else that might
have a longer afterlife.
1. Donate
Donations are always an easy place to start if you are unsure how to help. There are multiple places to donate at various rates depending on the budget you have. If you can afford to give $10, you can text Give For France “Paris” to 20222 and the money will support the victims of the attack in Nice.
The French Red Cross is fundraising for emergency preparedness, response and relief teams.
If you would like to help a specific family, consider the Copeland's. Sean, 51, and Brodie, 11, were killed in the Nice attacks and have a memorial gofundme set up.
2. Donate Blood
When an attack like the most recent Nice attack or even the Orlando shooting, donating blood is also another great way to help. There are often so many casualties that people are going to need to blood.
3. Attend a Vigil
There are Vigils all over the world being planned. Large scale vigils include New York City, Louisville, Detroit, Cardiff, London and Sydney. There may even be smaller scale ones in a town near you.
