A Tribute: Is Paris Burning?

In light of what happened last Friday evening, I will dedicate my final passion blog post of this semester to Paris.

Considering this is the third time, you all are probably tired of reading about my trips to Paris, but I really can not help but reminisce and work out some thoughts about my favorite city.

So, I visited Paris for a few days last February, right after the January attacks on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.

I was invited by a friend of mine, an exchange student from Antibes who went to my high school, and we stayed for a few days in a small hotel just around the corner from where the Charlie Hebdo attacks happened.
 
"Don't distress. Don't panic. This is what terrorism wants," said my mother when I asked her if she was nervous about letting me go.

Our hotel room was about the size of a postage stamp, and only had one outlet in a far corner. Thus, my friend needed a specific phone charging stature.

This shrine, right outside of our hotel, was one of many around the city built as both a heartfelt memoir and a declaration of strength.

Although more than a few weeks had passed since the violent incident, it was evident that people were still heartbroken because there was always at least one person standing in front of or touching the shrine.

People were sad, but by no means subdued, as could be seen by the murals like this covering walls and buildings everywhere.

These anonymous assertions of strength and outrage seemed louder than any violent revenge because they indicated that, although France was in a time of crisis, the French were still united and refused to be frightened.

I was especially glad to come across stuff on the internet that showed off French strength and anger at the violence.

For example, this song was written and posted the same day as the shootings. If you have the time, watch it, because it's powerful and it’s catchy.

I thought this was extremely inspirational, and I hope that this sentiment is still being fostered after the terrible massacre last weekend.

It seems, however, that the world is using this mass murder as a means by which to talk about other issues at hand because, lately, I’ve been reading more articles criticizing French foreign policy and world wide ignorance about the bombing in Lebanon than about standing strong against terrorism.

Why are people complaining about temporary Facebook profile pictures?

Why are we blaming gun laws in France?

But, hey, at least we stopped talking about Starbucks cups.

I recognize that this is a depressing note to end the semester on, but  I would love to hear anyone's thoughts about the issues surrounding Syria, ISIS, and Governor Wolf's recent decision to offer Pennsylvanian solace to refugees.

 

My thoughts and love go to the people in the world who will not be having a happy holiday season, and I am truly grateful to go home to a whole and happy family this weekend.

#prayforparis