The holiday season buzz is back in full swing. It’s energizing the atmosphere as we become preoccupied with thoughts of holidays, gifts and families. Nonetheless, threats of terror, death and war continue to be a non-existent part of our daily lives.
It’s time to evaluate our political thoughts and values. Especially now as the implications of our actions become more evident to how we identify with society. Consider the consensual reaction, or lack of it, towards the Boko Haram suicide bombings that took place in Nigeria earlier last week. An instance in which 34 people were killed and attacks remained consistent during the week, according to Time Magazine. Now consider how starkly contrasted it was to our initial reaction of the attacks in Paris. In an affluent society, we might choose to buy into the first socially acceptable response available to coping with such tragedies. However, that’s not to say that the noble flag waving of Facebook users should receive any more recognition than those who openly opposed it.
I acknowledge, as Canadians, we empathize with the world’s issues. Considering it did with us, back in October last year, when we experienced our first sample of “terror,” according to CBC. However, it undermines what we stand for as a nation, if we are so willing to support the victims in Paris before those in Nigeria, who similarly, were attacked by partners of the same terrorist organization – according to Time . Just to note, more sooner than later, it is a good time to re-define our political stance as we welcome new guests into Canada following the initiatives put in place by new government – according to The Hamilton Spectator.
In the wake of it all, it’s clear we might turn on each other on unstable political footing. Knowing what the information is saying is equally as important as where you found it and who is financing it. Remember, the implications of war are ongoing throughout life. Chances are that we will face greater threats as well. We owe it to ourselves to understand our world as what it is, and not just what it looks like or who it prays to. This year, while we unwrap our gifts, let’s unwrap a deeper understanding of who we are and what we want to say.
