Following the ISIS attacks in Paris on Nov. 13, the world turned its attention to a constant stream of news coverage, trying to make sense of such a blatant act of terrorism. There were 129 people killed during the attacks, and people around the world seemed concerned that their cities could be next.
However, in Missouri, many took to social media to show criticism rather than condolences.
In the wake of this international tragedy, Black Lives Matter and Mizzou activists complained on social media that the Paris attacks had stolen the media spotlight from the racial oppression here in the States. Many claimed the racial injustice they’d been fighting was overshadowed by the immense news coverage of the deaths of innocent people at the mercy of Islamic extremists.
One individual tweeted, “Racist white people kill me, you want everyone to have sympathy for your tragedy, but you have none for ours.”
Another wrote, “Interesting how the news reports are covering the Paris terrorist attacks but said nothing about the terrorist attack at #Mizzou.”
While the Mizzou protests certainly have validity, it’s incredible that some of the activists believe their protests deserve the undivided attention of the media numerous senselessly slain people.
Lives were lost in a country that most people view as a safe zone. These attacks became not only a sense of national security, but also an issue of international security. It’s no wonder why people directed their attention to Paris, which was in such a chaotic state after suffering a major act of barbarity.
The Mizzou students dealing with racial injustice should by no means be swept under the rug. Their voices are valid and have become a call for diversity in colleges across the country.
Even if this notion of the Paris attacks are held by some of the protesters, it doesn’t look good on the group as a whole. People might be more prone to not listen or hear them out because these tweets comes off as selfish and inconsiderate to what is going on elsewhere.
Many Mizzou student activists involved were extremely vocal about how they didn’t want media attention of their protests at first. However, they’ve shown their disgust for not holding onto the media’s attention. Of course, news doesn’t stay “new” forever.
The Mizzou situation is a game changer for the diversity discussion on college campuses, but the Paris attacks supersedes that just by the vastness of people affected. Terrorism, especially with ISIS, is a global matter; no one is certain what will happen next. Showing condolences and respect for other global matters does not negate your own cause, even in the media.
