Concerts are supposed to be a safe space. They are supposed to be a place where you can go and just lose yourself in the music of your favorite artists for a few hours. However, on May 22nd, some individuals did not get to experience the rush and energy of a concert. Instead of just listening to Ariana Grande, they also listened to an explosion, screams and cries. Instead of just waving their arms in the air to the beat of the song, they were either lying lifeless or running for their lives.
These types of horrible occurrences tend to tear people apart - often putting friend against friend. They make us suspicious of certain groups of people; we begin making vows to get revenge.
However, that is what the terrorists want, is it not? They want to tear us apart even more by putting us against each other. We need to stop giving them to attention and glory and to focus on something more important right now - the fallen victims.
Revenge is not what we need right now; more hate is not going to help. Instead, we need to remember the 22 individuals who lost their lives in Manchester. We need to say a silent prayer for their families and friends. We need to collect food, clothes, and other supplies for the families in need. We need to give emotional support to those who were there for the horrid debacle. We need to work on recreating the space where so many people go to join together in music.
In times like these, it's hard to not focus on the terrorism at hand. However, it's not what we need for the world right now.
So here is my silent prayer for the fallen victims, and I encourage you to join me:
Rest in peace Saffie Roussos, Georgina Callander, John Atkinson, Olivia Campbell, Kelly Brewster, Angelika and Marcin Klis, Lisa Lees, Alison Howe, Martyn Hett, Jane Tweddle-Taylor, Nell Jones, Michelle Kiss, Sorrell Leckzowski, and all other individuals who lost their lives. Please give comfort to those who they left behind. Additionally, please give emotional and physical support to those who experienced the tragedy and were lucky enough to make it out alive. Amen.