There are no words for the horrors that occurred in Paris the night of 13th November. In “an act of war,” a series of six coordinated terrorist attacks were launched on the city, with 127 killed. One of the sites was Le Bataclan, where California band Eagles of Death Metal were performing; the band escaped unharmed, but hostages were held and killed in the theater.
The world is collectively hurting. Using social media to unite, artists and fans alike have come together to voice their sympathies and love to Paris, as well as combat the unfortunate torrent of Islamophobia that’s occurred in the wake of the incident. LA-based duo Hotel Garuda have been vocal in raising awareness and reminding everyone that “ISIS is not Islam”.
repeat after me: ISIS is not Islam ISIS is not Islam ISIS is not Islam
— hotel garuda (@Hotel_Garuda) November 14, 2015
shame to see people bashing religions on the basis of selective perversions of their teachings
— hotel garuda (@Hotel_Garuda) November 14, 2015
Producer Royal chimed in:
Hi, I’m a Muslim Arab American and I was NOT brought up on violence. There are 1.6 billion Muslims on this planet living peacefully. — Imad Royal (@RoyalMakesMusic) November 14, 2015
Deadmau5 posted an especially poignant series of tweets as well.
If gestures of respect is what Paris needs, then they already have mine.
— deadmau5 (@deadmau5) November 13, 2015
Unfortunately, an insensitive tweet from Donald Trump posted after January’s Charlie Hebdo attacks resurfaced last night, garnering outraged responses across the internet. The elusive Frank Ocean was one of the many who was infuriated by the tweet, and he expressed his feelings on his Tumblr.
“ON THE REAL THOUGH DONALD TRUMP. HOW IS IT ‘INTERESTING’ THAT THESE SHOOTINGS HAPPENED IN A COUNTRY THAT’S TOUGH ON GUNS? TELL US DON? BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT VACUOUS OBSERVATION WAS ABOUT GIVING YOUR NRA-LOVING CONSTITUENCY A HANDJOB AND SPINNING A TRAGEDY FOR POLITICAL GAIN AND I’M THINKING MAYBE USING A SITUATION WHERE DOZENS OF INNOCENTS HAVE JUST BEEN MURDERED IN THE STREETS ISN’T THE BEST TIME. NO?”
He then followed with a message of love to those who are suffering.
“LOVE TO PARIS AND ANY INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY WHO’S LOST LOVED ONES TO EVIL ANYWHERE IN THIS WORLD. CHILL W THE ANGLES.”
PressPlay’s hearts and thoughts are with Paris at this time. For ways to help those in Paris no matter where you are, there are a number of organizations that you can donate to.
