The world is undoubtedly fixated on the tragedy that befell the French magazine Charlie Hebdo and the murder of a police officer. Our national and regional communities have joined in solidarity with the rest of the globe in expressing both our sympathies and condemnation of these hate crimes.
As I listened to an interview with a French journalist this morning, she said these men were not Muslims, they were terrorists, and that sentiment resonated with me deeply. She also spoke about the backlash that she and many others fear the Muslim population of France may encounter. One hopes the ripple effect these murders will have are minimal and truncated. However I believe that to be wishful thinking.
Our local population is many things, and unfortunately among them we are also complainers. We complain and bicker about the most inane things. I agree with our right to freely express ourselves and even I have my grouses about several things, but look at what our French compatriots are facing.
People were killed over editorial content, both illustrations and commentary. The three murderers believed they were avenging the Prophet Muhammad because the magazine had published content which they deemed to be disrespectful.
Here we readily dish "picong" and openly express our dissatisfaction about everything from the Government to the size of fried chicken pieces at fast food outlets. We have that privilege of letting our leaders know how we feel but we misuse and abuse that right. Instead of highlighting legitimate concerns that affect us we blast the administration about everything other than the actual issues.
Here we practice our various faiths without any threat of persecution by any other group in society. Are those not things to be grateful and happy about?
These French citizens lost their lives because they were presenting different views in a light and satirical manner. For that they paid they ultimate price. We take our democracy and our liberties far too lightly and we allow the negative to shape our opinions. Why can't we approach things with the same enthusiasm and tenacity as we do when discussing Carnival or anything related? We have to get off the bandwagon of the constant blaming of the Government. Isn't it time we grow up and started accepting responsibility for our own actions?
Zachary Persad
via e-mail