Stuff that was said in the hours RIGHT AFTER the tragic shooting: ISIS linked, jihadi, emphasis of the scarf (only middle eastern terrorists wear scarves) and the shooters first name, Zehaf. Terrorism. Security improvements forthcoming, and how Canada will not be intimidated. US right wing media all over it, many cable outlets here mourning the end of our innocence and other total bullshit. (What about the massacre of women at the Polytechnique way back? Or the shooting death of mounties in alberta? Or the many white on white crimes?) And now- we find out he was apparently an addicted individual who wanted to go to prison purportedly for treatment, who wasnt on an terror watch, was not previously known for any terrorist type platitudes, and seems to be a desperate fellow who committed a terrible tragic act. This does not excuse violence, but it should absolutely alter the rhetoric around this - and it doesnt seem to be. I absolutely am sick with horror at this event, and condemn the actions of the shooter unequivocally, of course. I was reacting yesterday to people who seemed to blame Harper, wish Harper death, or said that Harpers participation in military action was a provocation of this one individual. I got where you all were coming from, but it is still a hateful position, but to condemn violence - one would actually have to truly condemn violence. I personally dont believe violence even against a disgustingly self centred arrogant ass like Harper- (we did elect him in part, some of it was tampered with, and that is beside the point) and we need to take control as people with interests and beliefs and community, not take aim at corrupt figureheads. I see SO MANY people saying they dont follow politics, dont care they are all liars. Lets change it. Harper is awful, but why does he get the attention in this? He is an opportunist. Look at what he did right after- he trivialized Mr. Cirillos tragic death by taking a moment to grandstand about terrorism, and to reinforce misaligned and inflammatory patriotism. Today, Canadians who are Muslim awoke to hateful graffiti at their places of worship, though many prominent groups within their midst as well as the predominance of their adherents condemn the actions of a terrorist or similar behaviour. The talk of the fallen soldier is inextricably linked to a political missive, and he doesnt get to speak to his own memory. We are appropriating for it our own political aims, and that is taking his life all over again, and making it about something else. It would be even be more productive to wish that this man was still alive than to wish Harper dead, and this isnt even possible. This conflated tragedy and patriotism as retribution-seeking in the face of real human tragedy should be viewed as the negativity it almost always is. Transference of our feelings to a corrupt political figurehead still invokes patriotism and extremism as well- and folks who happen to be in the wrong group get discriminated against. This is not fair to any of the parties affected by this, and still allows politicians refuge in talking points and empty drivel. The war doesnt need to rage over a tragedy like this. The fight should be to honour this mans life, and serve our fellowship with humanity better from it.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 21:18:40 +0000
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