In wake of the attacks on Paris, and the ensuing responses in the public eye and on social media, I've seen posts about Muslims/Islam and terrorism (in the negative sense) increasing in frequency throughout the night, which is [sadly] completely expected for me, nowadays. As far as I'm aware, I don't deny that Muslims, Islam, or "religion" in general do have a part (along with various other factors, that many seem to overlook or just not seem to realise) in such acts that we see/hear about more and more in our media, though "how", "why", and "in what way" are the things I think many disagree on. In any case, it is something I think that needs working on and I do try to work on it as best as I can, though I do think it is something that could be accomplished much more efficiently with more people involved and actually trying to understand and get on with each other (rather than just voicing their opinions).
And so, my point for this post is actually to say thank you to all those who have posted reminders (or even messaged me directly) about this - about not generalising or hating on a whole group of people. I feel awkward that people who [as far as I'm aware] don't identify as Muslim are posting statuses reminding others not to make sweeping statements/generalisations about all Muslims and interpretations of Islam based on the acts of a statistical minority, because I feel said people are helping me out and I can't do anything back for them (I know this is irrational, especially given that it doesn't bother me at all if the situation is reversed and I don't believe myself to have a different set of principles to follow compared to everybody else). Still, though, I really do genuinely admire your actions and am so grateful for them, so thank you all. The fact that there are people, who may not seem to directly benefit from sharing such reminders (especially whilst seeming balanced in doing so; not going from one extreme to another), but still do, is a big thing. This ability to empathise, to consider the perspectives of others 'different' to oneself, as well as realising and believing that all of us are in this Life, whatever it is, together, it's something that is really uplifting to see. In a way, it's kinda necessary for me, because (and I 'hope' this is the cynic in me, rather than the realist) it does seem like we live in dark times where things are only getting worse, on all scales, which can get quite overwhelming, so your actions remind me of that strange thing called "Hope".
I haven't really been able to clearly express myself here, I guess, let alone in an eloquent manner (though maybe I never do =/), but all I really wanted to say is thank you to those who have gone out of their way to stand up for others, be it reminding others of the risks and flaws associated with mass-generalisations/stereotyping/discrimination, checking up on me directly, or anything else you may be doing to help. So, thank you, whole-heartedly, and I hope all of us do the same as best as we can, for all peoples, regardless of whether we identify with 'them' or not, insha Allah.
In some ways, I guess this (people helping/uniting in response to others being hurt by the attacks, be it directly or indirectly) could be described as a "silver-lining" to the whole event, but I (personally) find it really difficult it to see it like that (not saying for other people not to, of course) =/ So I'm not trying to detract or divert attention away from one problem and refocus it on another. Rather, I guess just trying to look at all problems on all scales and try to resolve all of them as best as I/we can. If we see a problem, try to solve it; if it can't be done alone, ask others for help; if others don't help, do the best we can with what we have - that's all that's asked of us anyway, imo. Anywho, again, I just really wanted to say thank you those who gave me some hope with your actions. Thank you.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr. (I know it might be clichéd to use this quote, but it is so very relevant, especially nowadays, imo.)