Tragedies and Solidarity

Unfortunately, tragedy has become all to normal in the society we live in. Each tragedy, whatever magnitude, calls for action. It calls for individuals to act in solidarity and pay tribute to all whom were harmed or killed. The tragedies in Beirut, Syria, and France are all devastating to me. No one possesses the power to take another's life. It is heart-wrenching each time a tragedy of any sort occurs, and I hope for nothing but peace going forward.

However, with all of this said, not every tragedy is equal to all people, right or wrong. This is a basic human instinct, and this is to blame for so many people showing more solidarity towards France then other countries. I will list examples of the mindset I am discussing.

1. Why are people more hurt when a family member dies than an outsider. Seemingly it should be just as tragic. But, as anyone who experienced the loss of a family member has witnessed, it is far more painful, than a stranger dyeing. For whatever reasons, it hits much closer to home.

2. Why do people feel more remorse when someone dies in a car accident, then a heroine overdose. In both instances, someone dies, but in the accident, people feel it was less the own persons doing. Therefore, many people feel more justified in being more remorseful towards the accident victim. 

3. Recently there have been many shootings in the US, and not nearly the support as shown for France. Why could this be? Likely, it is the fact then in the recent US shootings, it has been Americans shooting Americans. An inside job, a problem that stems from here and effects here. On the other hand, it is an outside job. An outsider coming in and creating havoc. There is something more unsettling when the problem stems from far away and is brought to the scene of the crime. 

Overall, the message I'm trying to convey is that not everyone sees every tragedy as equal. What happened in Beirut and Syria is sickening, but different from whats happening in France. France has a very similar culture, political system, ideals, and laws as the US does. An attack on France feels like an attack on the US. Most Americans had the same thought, if it happened to them, it could happen house. The French are more relatable. to Americans. The attack on France shook Americans, not because the French are privileged and a large majority white, but it felt like a personal attack. 

I am not saying that the outpouring to France is right or wrong, what I am saying is that the tragedies are different. No two events are the same. Right or wrong, the attack on France felt like an attack on America and freedom in general to many people. Should we show more support to others, ABSOLUTELY. But, showing solidarity for one, does not mean a lack of sympathy for another. Therein lays the issue people are failing to understand. Just as a family member dyeing FEELS more tragic than a stranger, the attack on France felt like an attack on America. Does media have an affect on this, yes. Does privilege have an affect, yes. But, everyone is free to support who they want, when they want, for whatever reason they want.