I haven’t said much of anything over the past few days about the Paris attacks. Mostly, I just go numb or stiffly shake my head as I overhear a news report.
Everyone seems to be playing the amateur politician or waging their own impotent religious crusade. Amidst all of the noise I can’t help but feel overwhelming powerlessness. There seem to be so many simple answers coming from all directions, most of which involve violence and nationalism, but this is no simple problem. This is a form of warfare that is unprecedented and the enemy isn’t another nation or rebel faction, but an ideology.
The Western world isn’t under attack by Islam. The entire world is under attack by hate. No group of people has suffered more casualties in this fight than Muslims. So whatever we do next, however humanity prevails over the current darkness, we must do it for all of us, no matter how different we falsely perceive ourselves to be.
I knew I wanted to make an image. That’s the only small slice of power and impact I really have in this life. It’s my voice and my humble condolence to all those who are hurting, not only in France, but in Syria, and around the world.
I realized what I wanted to create late last night. It wouldn’t be about guns, or war, or prayers. It’ about people: Those we have lost and those who are still here… All 7+ Billion of us. Paris was a wake-up call. It wasn’t the first attack and will sadly not be the last. This is everyday life for far too many thinking, feeling, and loving human beings, and as one global community, let’s remember to keep our eyes open and fixed on finding peace, not just for Paris… but for the world.
The Western world isn’t under attack by Islam. The entire world is under attack by hate. No group of people has suffered more casualties in this fight than Muslims. So whatever we do next, however humanity prevails over the current darkness, we must do it for all of us, no matter how different we falsely perceive ourselves to be.
I knew I wanted to make an image. That’s the only small slice of power and impact I really have in this life. It’s my voice and my humble condolence to all those who are hurting, not only in France, but in Syria, and around the world.
I realized what I wanted to create late last night. It wouldn’t be about guns, or war, or prayers. It’ about people: Those we have lost and those who are still here… All 7+ Billion of us. Paris was a wake-up call. It wasn’t the first attack and will sadly not be the last. This is everyday life for far too many thinking, feeling, and loving human beings, and as one global community, let’s remember to keep our eyes open and fixed on finding peace, not just for Paris… but for the world.
