Following the recent terrorist attack in New Zealand, where fifty people were killed at Christchurch Mosque, there have been many responses on a global scale, and a community scale as well.
One response was from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who left a powerful message for all of us. She refuses to say the terrorist’s name.
I stand with her because publicity should not come from infamy. The terrorist left a manifesto and had planned the attack, so he could be known as an infamous white supremacist.
By media outlets and organizations sharing his name and information on him, we are feeding into the terrorist’s desires. We should not bring the unwanted into fame, we should not make them well-known.
We should focus on the victims and survivors of this tragedy. We should focus on the heroes who risked their lives to save the people in the Mosque. We should stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters who bare this tragedy on their shoulders.
New Zealand officials are reportedly wanting to change gun legislation after the attack according to CNN on March 18th, 2019.
According to New Zealand police, there is approximately one gun for every three people in New Zealand currently in circulation. In addition, gun owners in New Zealand do need a license to purchase a firearm, but no registration of firearms is necessary.
By adding restrictions to gun laws, New Zealand is paving a way for a new society to be more educated, protected, and safer.
On a community scale, the University has also responded to the recent terror attacks. In an email sent out March 21st, 2019 from the Division of Student Affairs, the SXU
Community was invited to join the multiple community dialogues the following day.
Lead by the Muslim Student Association, “SXU Speaks” was an event held to express concern and empathy towards the victims and followed by a prayer event and vigil.
It is imperative we not only send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, but that we promote action as well.
Although the University has done a great job of sending sympathy to those affected, it could set up a donation campaign to help with the medical expenses of those injured or tormented by this tragedy.
We must stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this time of anguish. There have been global and community responses to the recent terror attacks. In addition, we must continue to fight and care for those overseas, not just in our own country.
We must take little and big actions to fight international terrorism. We could donate to the victims and their families, as well as, attend community dialogues which help start a conversation.
Most importantly, when you see someone different than you, who looks different, maybe acts different, do not make an enemy out of them. We must hold a beacon of hope that we will one day live together, stand together, fight injustice together. Because when we continue to fight over our differences, we lose our humanity.
When we come together and respect the cultures, nations, and heritages people come from, we grow into a wondrous world of hope.
Emily Rubino
Opinions Editor