The above words were some of the many messages of solidarity, defiance and peace that was inscribed in chalk on the city streets of Bourse Square after the Brussels attacks. Make no mistake… this was a cold, calculated attack– in which ISIS (The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) is claiming responsibility for this heinous act. It’s scary to think how this could have happened anywhere in the world. Tokyo, Madrid, Moscow, Toronto, Berlin, Los Angeles, New York City… just pick any city with a major media and cultural market.
Most of us get on social media and scream, “when will it end?” “We need to come together.” “We want justice, equality and peace.” “Why won’t humanity love and respect each other for their religious, political, social and sexual preferences?” Correct me if I’m wrong, but the only thing that arguably makes us different from each other is the language we speak and the God(s) we pray to. Once we get a universal understanding that we are all the same, society will always suffer under a state of separation. Perhaps, that’s the biggest issue that plagues humanity right now and could possibly signal the end of our existence.
It’s difficult for me to not fall into the hollowness of the ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ cliche that surfaces up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram; however, my words are heartfelt and sincere. May the people of Belgium receive an abundance of strength, love and light in their time of sorrow. I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting the city, but I’m well aware that they have showed our country much love when times were tough. It’s easy to give into fear and I know there will be some irrationally-thinking individuals who use this terrible act to spew messages of hate and ignorance. I hope that this message get to the right people of the world in their time of need. Do not give into fear. Nor ignorance.
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The Perennial Aesthete 
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