I think many most all of us are filled with emotions after the Paris terror attacks this weekend. Senseless murders occur everyday around the world. Innocent lives are lost. No life has more value than another when any of these type of heinous crimes happen.
But, there's something about Paris. It is one, if not the, most visited place in the world for tourists. And, if you haven't visited it, chances are it is on your wishlist. It is called "The City of Love" and "The City of Lights". People think of Paris, and they think of architecture, fashion, art, literature, movies, shopping, wine & food, lovers strolling hand in hand, iconic sites like the Eiffel Tour and Notre Dame. These thoughts and visions are romantic, not violent.
For me, I've
been fortunate to visit Paris more than once. I've had close friends who lived in Paris. My cousin and I waded in waters of fountains near the Eiffel Tour. One of my very best friends was located there for work for six months; she lived on a street with a view of the Eiffel Tour and less than a five minute walk to Hotel Invalides. I stayed with her in this apartment, as did my cousins, aunt, uncle, and mother.
I've
been to many, many rock concerts and seen Josh Homme (member of Eagles
of Death Metal) live. I can relate to
being one of those people going to a gig at the Bataclan. It feels more
real and personal because of that relatability factor.
I've purchased many, many items at a rock show's merch stand. Maybe that's why this story of Nick Alexander and his girlfriend, Polina Buckley caused me to cry real tears.
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I don't understand the violence and murder of average, innocent citizens
who are going to work, eating out at a restaurant, or hearing a band in
concert. The violence in Paris does not make me sympathize or
empathize with the perpetrators. It doesn't make me say "hmm, maybe
we should listen to their rhetoric." It doesn't make me want to know
about their beliefs or fanaticism or religion (when they claim it is in
the name of their religion). It doesn't make me open my eyes, see the
light, and decide I want to start living my life according to the way
the perpetrators think we should be living. You can tell me the murderers don't care about me either. They want me and the likes of me dead. I don't understand that either. It makes me disgusted,
angry, and beyond sad.
I know it sounds cliché, but I am praying for
the victims, their families, the responders, the witnesses, the survivors, and all those impacted by
the senseless violence...in Paris and other parts of the world.
That's about all we can do in situations like this, pray for those affected, whether directly, indirectly, large, or small. And...continue to live our lives on our terms, going where we want and doing what we want. To do otherwise, is to allow them to win.
ReplyDeleteperfectly said. we must live, and while doing so, still keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers. it's looking forward not back. heart you!
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
I hate that acts of terrorism happen, I really do. But every single time I'm amazed by the goodness of humanity that out-shines the violence and hate. I feel like my whole body goes cold when I hear about (mass) violence but it's immediately warmed and rejuvenated by the good people who hold family members of the fallen and often housing and food and love to the people hurting most. Humans surprise me in the most heinous and the most amazing ways all the time.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better myself. These acts don't get me to be like "oh, hey, maybe I should join these folks cuz they are a bunch of awesome people". Not even close! I just don't understand why they need to murder innocent people. Tragic. :(
ReplyDeleteThe second to last paragraph sums up exactly how I feel about all of this.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for people like you and Steph who can articulate what I'm feeling about this event (and the others before and after) because I cannot put my thoughts into coherent sentences. I just don't get it. I can't comprehend that level of hatred. I can't.
my family just got back from visiting there 2 weeks ago - so scary to think it could happen while they were there... scary it happened at all :(
ReplyDeleteI can't even comprehend what goes through their minds but I am glad that I can't because that means I don't have the evil in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI've been in love with Paris since I was probably about 5 years old. My heart is broken for that city. But even more than that, I agree with you that this impacts the world, not just one far away place.
ReplyDeleteThis is so perfectly written, and I share many of the same thoughts. It's sad to know that there will always be wars and violence, but these acts of terrorism are just beyond any rational thought. All we can do is pray for those who are lost, for those suffering, and for those who are committing these acts, that they may wake up to their own nonsensical actions and stop.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you, these acts of violence and terrorism don't make me "see the light" to their religion. It makes me question how their views of the world could get so twisted to make them do something so horrific.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your thoughts on this. When I first heard about the attacks and saw some news clips featuring survivors discussing their experience, I turned to Eric and said, "If this had happened on the same date last year, that could have been us." And like you, I also felt it a little more because I'm the kind of person who often goes to concerts in small venues. I do agree with what some have said about other horrific acts around the world not getting the same level of coverage, but at the same time, these things made this feel a little more real/relatable for me.
ReplyDelete