Following the latest terror attacks launched on France over the weekend, I have been reflecting on the events trying to find the appropriate words to say. The answer is simple really, there are none.
No amount of words can express the grief and sadness I feel after the harrowing incidents in Paris, not to mention the escalating terror rising rapidly across the globe. However as a writer, a traveller and a great lover of Paris — I had to say something.
Since the IS led attacks, there have been all sorts of reactions spreading across the world, and a myriad of political (and sometimes, not so political) opinions on how ‘we’ should be responding to the situation. Waleed Aly, a presenter on Channel Tens ‘The Project’ has been heaped with praise in his take on things, calling for unity when extremist groups want us to divide. His simple speech has since been shared 22 million times because he also made a point of saying that this group of radicalised bastards are, in fact, very weak. You can watch it here;
Hiding behind social media accounts and recruiting young impressionable men from all over the world to fight a war for them I tend to agree. Paris was targeted for their involvement in fighting the war on terror in the Middle East. Targeted by cowards that rely on the element of surprise to make their point, which to the rest of the freethinking world, we can all agree, is in fact — pointless. And whilst we would love the world to handle things as peacefully as possible, the extremist group that calls themselves the ‘defenders of Islam’ have proved that they are not humans that can be reasoned or negotiated with on countless occasions. A reckless and radicalised group that actually have nothing to do with the peaceful teachings of Islam, or the greater Muslim community. So while I mourn the loss of innocent lives being taken on both sides of this senseless war, I also stand behind France in their resolve to fight back. With unity, with intelligence, and with force.
That being said, this group shall not receive any further attention from me. We give them power with our attention and instead of jumping on the ‘should I change my profile picture or not’ ridiculous bandwagon debate that is currently circulating social media, (seriously people, does it really matter?) I have simply decided to express my own, personal grief over this latest attack on my most adored city. It should be noted, I am more than aware of the DAILY attacks continuing to destroy innocent lives in the Middle East and this should be acknowledged. However, having lived in Paris only a few months ago not far from the Bataclan in Republique, it is fair to say the most recent events have had a personal emotional effect on me.
I could hardly bear to watch this beautiful city have its light taken away and plunged into darkness. I cannot begin to comprehend how the local Parisians must be feeling, incredulous that this has happened again following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January earlier this year. The proud nations motto of Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité translated is Freedom, Equality & Brotherhood, or Unity.
The Parisians have always stubbornly defended their way of life, and this week more than ever I am reminded of the reason I wear my own French tattoo with pride. A simplistic Eiffel Tower along with Liberté inscribed on my left wrist, I forget it’s even there half the time. I don’t normally flash it around, as I have always received varied reactions to the tattoo and unwanted opinions.
However, as it stands for freedom of love I am proud to stand with the people of Paris in this small way, as they had their freedom taken away indeed on Friday night, and lost the ones the love.
The Eiffel Tower is the most recognisable symbol for Paris. How many of us have travelled across Europe only to pause in front of this magnificent structure to snap a happy memory with ones they love? To me it has always represented a powerful light, guiding everyone home and uniting the inhabitants of this multicultural diverse city. Watching over those whom have always called Paris home along with her adopted expats, she shines brightly and proudly each and every night, sparkling with romance and joy. It represents love to so many, which is why I have it inked permanently into my skin.
To my beautiful city of light, you will not be dimmed by perpetrators of hate. Together, we are stronger. Countless countries around the world have already lit up their own national monuments in blue, white and red in support and solidarity. These are simple acts, yes, such as changing your Facebook profile picture. But it is part of a bigger challenge for us to all come together and show a mutual respect for the fallen and also an allegiance, and a unity that ties us all together.
We call that humanity.