After the most tragic and heart-breaking events in recent weeks both in the cities of Manchester and then London, a sense of collective feeling has been born from a number of very divisive acts. It has led to a personal thought of what happens when an act of a person/persons effects the lives of many and what can be and is done about said actions. The aftermath of these acts of terror have been evident in bringing the public closer together in a number of mediums. Coming together to share your story, being defiant and even grieving as one can help a number people through the hardship of not only these monstrosities but with other personal losses and the life changing moments that one may have endured.
It rightly or wrongly has also opened up a debate about how these acts should be tackled and how we should react to halt the act itself from its root. On social networking (at least specifically in my vast and diverse pool of 'friends' and 'followers') the outcry has been unanimous but at two separate ends of the spectrum. A numerous amount of people have chosen to support those effected in the way of visually showing their support. This may come in the form of twibbons or flags on profile pictures and also hashtags such as #prayformanchester and #prayforlondon. Specifically this type of support has also apparently caused a stir with a large minority of people that chose to say this will do absolutely nothing as there is no physical application of help towards sorting the growing issues currently facing the UK in regards to terrorism. Some show solemn for the victims and those directly affected and some choose outrage and point the finger to whomever they believe to be responsible for not stopping it in the first place. Regardless of the variety of reactions posted/said/vlogged/shared, as one, the events that had unfolded were overwhelmingly condemned and rightly so.
One Love Manchester was created by Ariana Grande to show defiance on a global scale. This concert was compiled in what was little over a week and had globally household names featuring. Considering the age of Ariana at only 23 years old, the strength shown to sing a number of her songs and duets in front of a world-wide audience was nothing short of brave and showed incredible strength. A number of those affected from the concert also were in attendance, overcoming current injuries to once again see the star they had originally come to support. A poignant part of the concert was when the 50K+ audience were told to touch the person next to them and say that they love them. This could be reflected in the nature of the strangers that had given no care for their own safety to help others in need whilst the terrorists were still at large. The diverse nature of audience and acts were proof whilst in need of one another, humanity came come together to share empathy and sympathy to those who need it most. This love and care became the theme of the night. The defiance itself may not do much to deter these sick and twisted beings (not humans) but it signifies something stronger than that. People will always go about their everyday life as it means one thing. This minority will not win. They can't if everything is normal, it defeats their motive.
Showing solidarity amongst the callous attacks that have happened, in whatever capacity, WILL show a sense of oneness to those who think they can win by dividing. It will help those who feel like they need someone there that they are not alone in grieving, in hoping and in loving. One of the strengths of this country specifically is that when the island has faced hardships, the country exudes what it says in its name. United. The United Kingdom being an island maybe part of the reason that we react in such a way that togetherness is strength. Because of the lack of escape, we tend to stand and deliver, fight and, defend. This arguably is imprinted in our culture and will remain so through the strength of the many and not the cowardly nature of the few.
“Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one” - John Lennon, Imagine
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