Seeing how this is a blog about concerns, and also seeing how many concerning things are happening these days, there are a few things I’d like to get off my chest. 

Paris happened. Innocent people were killed for no other reason than hate and ignorance. It was deeply troubling and upsetting just to read about it in the news. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would feel like to be directly affected – even marginally. Unfortunately, this happens every day. This is normality. It’s reality in so many places around the world,that we have become immune, somehow, to these atrocities. 

I saw some negative commentary about those who tinted their Facebook profile pictures to match the French flag. Why didn’t you do the same for Afghanistan, Iran, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine….notice anything? This could go on for a while. Never mind the fact that this question is ignorant and insensitive, it did strike a chord with me. 

So why didn’t I?

Because….?

While pondering on possible answers I realized that I didn’t have one. It could be because this time it felt personal. Close to home. It could be because all the other places are featured in the media  exclusively with this kind of events and this made me immune and blind to their tragedies. It’s probably both.

But what boggles the mind is how an obvious act of solidarity and virtual kindness can be turned into vitriol. And competition. Who gets the most tinted profile pics for their casualties. What the hell? There is no need to distract from the matter at hand. And that is, in my opinion, that no matter WHERE they happen, these attacks are targeting us all. And by us I mean this large unorganized global group of people who believes in freedom and love and kindness and all those things that cynics mock, politicians ridicule and economists devalue. I am not an idealist. I don’t think we can survive off love and air and that it’s enough to give each other hugs to make the world a better place. But I do strongly believe that I am part of a large majority who wants peace and quiet and to live their lives free of oppression. It’s a multicultural, color blind, barrier free and welcoming majority. It’s diverse, inclusive and beautiful.

But silent.

And the minority is very loud. And, sadly, uses explosives. 

So instead of going against each other about who demonstrates their solidarity how, when and about what, how about we aim for a common voice and action against this aggressive minority who yells so loudly with bombs and guns and religious narrow-mindedness? 

Any positive action, no matter how minute and inconsequential it may seem- has value. Silence is not gold. These days it’s lead.