#PrayforOrlando: What We Aren't Saying About The Attacks | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

#PrayforOrlando: What We Aren't Saying About The Attacks

What should we really be focused on regarding these attacks?

3
#PrayforOrlando: What We Aren't Saying About The Attacks

50 dead, 53 severely injured; that is what has been recorded as of 9:00 pm on Sunday June 12, 2016. On early Sunday, Omar Mateen began firing in an Orlando gay club called Pulse, now being remembered as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States.

As our hearts cry out to the victims and families of those who lost their lives and those who are injured, the media seems to be focused on something other than the fact that there are civilians who lost their lives for no actual reason. The media has decided to focus on the fact that Omar Mateen was of the Islamic faith and has been said to have pledged an allegiance to ISIS prior to the club attack.

There has yet to be valid proof that Mateen was an ISIS fighter, but that does not take away from the fact that people are believing it because it seems to be the easiest scapegoat and a way to look away from the actual problem. Here is my issue: This shooting, yet again, has been a way to point the finger at the Islamic religion rather than look at what is really happening. One human attacking humans because of their own personal belief and hatred, not a population of people who fall under the same religious faith.

Mateen was not a practicing Muslim, was not fasting during this holy month of Ramadan and was most certainly not the voice of the entire Islamic religion. Mateen was a homophobe on his own accord who decided it was his duty to get rid of people he viewed as a problem. Where are we at fault? We are sweeping under the rug that there are now 50 lives who will no longer see a future. There are now 50 lives that will become nothing but a hushed whisper in the wind, another name that can no longer be said out loud with at least one heart sinking. There are 50 lives that will never grow old, will not have the chance to help fix our corrupt society that we now live in.

Instead we live in a world that would rather play the blame game, that think it is best to hold anger and let it grow on the inside. Instead of coming together in a time of need, where there is still 53 beautiful humans fighting for their lives and even more officially traumatized by what has happened. Why are we not focusing on the fact that these shootings are happening more frequently? That people have more access to guns and weapons than ever before. That depending on the race and ethnicity of the person determines what kind of crime this was, whether it was that they were mentally ill, or that it was a terrorist attack.

The mass shooting, will forever be engraved as the deadliest mass shooting in the United States, until another one happens. Because our nations continues to fuel hatred instead of kill the fire and fill it with peace, with understanding, with the desire to be better.

For the 50 that lost their lives, your legacy lives on. To the family and friends of those victims, they will never be forgotten, their lives will now be a representation and motivation to create peace between our nations, no matter the ethnic profile. To those that are hospitalized, come out strong, come out with a voice prepared to change the world. And to those who will suffer from trauma and stress disorders, one day this will no longer traumatize you, you will grow from it, you will now be better because of it and help fix this destructive world built off of greed and hate.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2408
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16982
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3637
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments