Last weekend, tragedy struck the United States when 49 people were killed at a club. This event was horrific and people are still talking about it and asking why stuff like this still happens in 2016. But something that I’ve noticed is that after great tragedies, people tend to unite and show how strong and resilient they are.
Forty-nine people were killed at a club in Orlando while they were out enjoying themselves and having fun. What should have been a night of all around good times ended up becoming the worst attack on United States soil since 9/11. There’s been a lot of all around nasty things said online about what happened and just straight up stupid things and it makes me really mad. But at the same time, I’ve noticed a lot more good than bad, and a lot of love for those who've died.
After the shooting, there was a call for people to donate blood for the victims that were injured in the shooting. People in Florida were not afraid to come out and support the city of Orlando. In one video that I saw 600 people were lined up to donate blood. The lines wrapped around the block in super-humid Florida, doing their part.
During the few days after the shooting, more and more things began to happen to help support the victims and their families. People set up GoFundMe’s and the like to fundraise to donate to non-profits in Florida. Celebrities used their voices and spoke out about what happened. Artists like Lady Gaga gave recognition to the people who died by reading their names one by one. Bands like Pvris (pronounced Paris) created t-shirts and Panic! at the Disco set up a blood drive with all the proceeds going straight to Orlando. Further, the LGBTQ community showed up to their pride events even more united than before. They weren’t afraid to be out there supporting the people who had just been killed.
Some of the biggest countries in the world responded with condolences to our country. Monuments across the world like the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia, One World Trade Center in New York City, the city hall in Tel Aviv, Israel and a lot more lit up rainbow in honor of those who were killed.
What all of these examples show is that after something really bad happens, people come together reminding us that there is good in the world. After tragedy, people band together to show that even though we might be hurting, we are still okay. It amazes me what people can do when they band together and show that they are still strong and are going to be okay. In the end it’s important to remember that peace and love will win and fear will lose.
