Words fail in describing or coming to terms with the massive tragedy that shook the peace and tranquility of the people of Norway and the world when a madman went berserk on the young and the innocent.
The man Anders Behring Breivik not only set off two powerful bombs and killed 77 youths, but desecrated humanity and civilization. Even more terrifying is the fact that this was not a crazed lunatic out to satisfy his bloodlust, but a cold, calculating man believing in an ideology, writing a 1500 page book on it, and carefully planning the slaughter of innocent youth months if not years ahead.
The world media reacted precisely in the way that it was expected to, the blame was on 'Muslim terrorists' or just 'terrorists', them being interchangeable terms for the media these days. The airwaves and digital streams, usually humming with perpetual activity, all collectively stuttered for a few very awkward pauses when the true identity and ideology of the perpetrator was revealed.
There was confusion and chaos. The media shuffled in uneasy ways to make things right once again. The comment section on website like NY Times (www.nytimes.com), the Wall Street Journal (with scathing anti-muslim editorials that the killer himself would have been proud of) and just about every major news outlet with any and everyone calling themselves an 'expert' were patiently explaining why Norway was a soft target and why it was attacked. This article explains in better detail: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/charlie-brooker-norway-mass-killings
Another major disappointment to come out of this is the apparent silence of Muslim media and activists, who were very quick to condemn when blamed for it, yet awkwardly silent when the mists cleared.
Its is extremely sad to see that they are not showing understanding and support of the level that must be shown to the extremely brave and astoundingly tolerant and understanding society of Norway. The people of Norway have proved to the world their commitment to be the best that humanity can offer.
Even whilst the heinous rampage was going on, they were showing tolerance and restraint of the highest order, extremely uncharacteristic of most other nations of the world. Had it been the US, the first barrage of missiles and a horde of drone strikes would have been fired before the batting of an eyelid. Followed by no shame or remorse of any kind after realizing their error.
However, this is a time for Muslim media and communities to be more vocal in their support and praise the greatness of the people of Norway to bear such a tragedy with this magnitude of courage. Especially Muslims living in countries affected by homegrown terror of such type such as Pakistan should be at the forefront of the campaign.
It must also be mentioned that the island where the rally was taking place, held a pro-palestinian rally just one day prior to the attacks. The tragedy seems to ring even louder when Muslims, the most victimized people of such hate crimes, remain silent and distracted through this.
The man Anders Behring Breivik not only set off two powerful bombs and killed 77 youths, but desecrated humanity and civilization. Even more terrifying is the fact that this was not a crazed lunatic out to satisfy his bloodlust, but a cold, calculating man believing in an ideology, writing a 1500 page book on it, and carefully planning the slaughter of innocent youth months if not years ahead.
The world media reacted precisely in the way that it was expected to, the blame was on 'Muslim terrorists' or just 'terrorists', them being interchangeable terms for the media these days. The airwaves and digital streams, usually humming with perpetual activity, all collectively stuttered for a few very awkward pauses when the true identity and ideology of the perpetrator was revealed.
There was confusion and chaos. The media shuffled in uneasy ways to make things right once again. The comment section on website like NY Times (www.nytimes.com), the Wall Street Journal (with scathing anti-muslim editorials that the killer himself would have been proud of) and just about every major news outlet with any and everyone calling themselves an 'expert' were patiently explaining why Norway was a soft target and why it was attacked. This article explains in better detail: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/24/charlie-brooker-norway-mass-killings
Another major disappointment to come out of this is the apparent silence of Muslim media and activists, who were very quick to condemn when blamed for it, yet awkwardly silent when the mists cleared.
Its is extremely sad to see that they are not showing understanding and support of the level that must be shown to the extremely brave and astoundingly tolerant and understanding society of Norway. The people of Norway have proved to the world their commitment to be the best that humanity can offer.
Even whilst the heinous rampage was going on, they were showing tolerance and restraint of the highest order, extremely uncharacteristic of most other nations of the world. Had it been the US, the first barrage of missiles and a horde of drone strikes would have been fired before the batting of an eyelid. Followed by no shame or remorse of any kind after realizing their error.
However, this is a time for Muslim media and communities to be more vocal in their support and praise the greatness of the people of Norway to bear such a tragedy with this magnitude of courage. Especially Muslims living in countries affected by homegrown terror of such type such as Pakistan should be at the forefront of the campaign.
It must also be mentioned that the island where the rally was taking place, held a pro-palestinian rally just one day prior to the attacks. The tragedy seems to ring even louder when Muslims, the most victimized people of such hate crimes, remain silent and distracted through this.
No comments:
Post a Comment