On Friday the 13th of November, in Paris, France, there were a series of attacks that occurred at about six locations such as the Bataclan Concert Hall, the Le Petit Cambodge restaurant, and Stade de France stadium. These attacks killed at least 129 people and left more than 350 injured. According to French President François Hollande these terrorist attacks were an “act of war” by ISIS and ISIS confirmed it in Arabic and French statements. France’s borders are now closed and is in a state of emergency. The rest of the world has been sending condolences and prayers.
After browsing through the internet and seeing all the hashtags about the Paris attacks, I noticed a continuing trend that we tend to do. A trend of self-reflection and a realization about the importance of life for all. Terrorist attacks have been occurring for a long time and every time something happens, we are shocked. I realized there were some things we could realize in 2015 since these attacks.
1. Standing in solidarity is the first and most important response, but love and support should be an everyday part of life.
In the face of tragedy, these French people decided to fight the terror induced on them, love would be the answer. No fear, no intimidation.
In times of tragedy and loss, people come together for love, prayers and support. After that, people seem to go back to their own lives until the next tragic event. But, it shouldn't be like this. We all need to realize that tragedy happens every day to people in the world. We just don't hear about it because we rely so much on the media to keep us informed. We need to be aware that taking one life is one too many. Humanity should always be cherished.
2. There is a bigger picture to terrorism and we can't ignore it until another major city gets hit.
One day before the Paris attacks, suicide bombings in Beirut killed 43 and left 239 wounded. Many have taken to Twitter to inform the world of an attack previous to the ones in Paris. Even Indian blogger Karuna Ezara Parikh wrote a poem in response to the massive attention to the Paris attacks and few to the one in Beirut.
3. Not all Muslims are the enemy.
Due to the stereotype of ISIS and Islam being "closely related," many people are blaming Muslims for the attacks. Well, many are not having that. We have to realize that terrorism does not have a specific race, class, or religion. Islam is a religion of peace and it is recognized as such by the majority of millions who practice it. When we experience terrorism, we need to realize it is a war against humanity and humanity alone.
The attacks in Paris should be the last, but some could say that's wishful thinking. Let Paris be the final straw in the allowance of a continued ignorance of terrorism. Terrorism can happen at any time and should be recognized in all corners of the world. We have seen time and time again people coming together during tragic times, but now is the time to come together as citizens of the world forever. Vive la France, vive le monde.
