The world recoiled in terror, fear, and collective mourning agony over the 129 dead and 352 wounded in Paris, France in the Friday night bombings, shootings, and acts of terror that pierced the parisian streets. ISIS, the islamic terrorist group has since claimed responsibility for these heinous attacks. In the hours, days, and what will be weeks to come, the would has begun the process of mourning and healing.
Across our own country, buildings and monuments were brightened by the blue, white, and red stripes of the French national flag. A little over 14 years ago, in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, the French newspaper, LeMonde, ran a headline stating, “We Are All Americans”. In the past few days Americans have expressed their support, through donations, political speeches, Facebook statuses, and of course, changing their profile pictures to the Facebook French Flag filter. In an attempt of solidarity, Americans are showing how, in the wake of a tragedy, we are all French.
The world has lost 129 sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, cousins. Not only french, but of many other nationalities, all unique, beautiful, and so full of unfulfilled potential. The 352 wounded may be left with life changing or debilitating injuries.
But what of the news in Kenya that barely broke headlines on April 2nd where 147 people were killed at Garissa University College in Kenya in another horrendous act of terrorism? Why didn’t Facebook provide African flag options for profile pictures? What of the disparity of news coverage provided after this Kenyan tragedy? Could it be because of the third world status Kenya holds? Why is human life valued by the socioeconomic status, racial status, or national identity held by the victims? Why can’t all loss of human life be treated equally by global media?
Even beyond the April attacks in Kenya, what of the attacks in Beirut, Lebanon? The location of a double suicide bombing attack on Thursday that left 40 killed at random in a bustling urban area, not unlike the attacks that transpired on the following day. No single person, on April 2nd at the Garissa University College, November 12th in Beirut, November 13th in Paris, or any other person subjected to such acts of terror could have seen what was about to happen. Each person lost has left loved ones, families, and the scores of people touched by their individual lives behind, without a parting word.
Each of these beautiful souls brought something so unique and important to the world around them. Each irreplaceable. Each so incredibly amazing. Each cut far too early from this world. Today, we are not only American, French, or Kenyan. We are all citizens of this confusing, beautiful, scary world. Let’s start treating each human as such. Let’s mourn for every human life regardless of geography. Let’s stand up, united, against terrorism and the horrors of the world occurring around us, on every corner of our world, not just our own.
