On November 13, 2015 the city of Paris was hit by a devastating terrorist attack, which killed more than 120 people and left many more wounded. People were quick to show their support for the major city and that support continues to this day. Through social media, blogs and public declarations people have expressed their solidarity, mourning the loss of over 120 innocent lives at the hands of terrorists. Although the world displayed overwhelming support, there were some who contended the greater publicity for the attacks in Paris over those in Beirut or Ankara as though #PrayforParis devalued or undermined these other tragedies. This issue is political in nature and while it does, rightfully, deserve attention and emphasizes a need for change now is a time for personal mourning. Every person processes trauma and grieves in a different way and who are we to say how he or she should go about it? Because someone changes their profile picture to the French flag or uses the hashtag #PrayforParis does not mean that they are blatantly disregarding the lives lost during other ISIS attacks. Mourning and healing, following an act of violence, is a personal experience, unique to the individual. Pray for Paris, Pray for the world, feel your humanity and mourn in whichever way you see fit. Below are a few links to reactions and tributes following the Friday the 13th attacks, displaying the variety of ways people cope:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/javiermoreno/frenchwoman-facebook-profile-filter#.soKo54P9EL
http://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/john-oliver-paris#.mk020e7MxO
http://www.buzzfeed.com/leticiamiranda/madonna-remembers-paris-victims#.wgmdWwMyY9