George Appleton shares his thoughts on how the world should react to the terror attacks in Paris
The murderous events of Friday 13th November in Paris were disgusting. Of that, there is no doubt, but in the words of French artist Joann Sfar: “Instead of dividing us, you remind us of the preciousness of our way of life”.
Ultimately, such atrocities only ever undermine a terrorist’s warped values, and help to strengthen ours. What is lovely is the way in which the world has come together to condemn the attacks. Russia sent a ‘solidarity puppy’ to France as a replacement for Diesel, the Belgian Shepherd, who died in the subsequent police raids and reminded us of the words of Rousseau, who said: “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness”.
It says a lot about the Jihadists’ cause when a police dog shows more bravery than they do, but then in the words of the great Frenchman, Charles de Gaulle: “The more I get to know humans, the more I like dogs”. It seems unlikely that I.S. (which apparently officially stands for ‘Islamist Scumbags’ according to Andrew Neil) have much time for the warmth and affection of animals whilst hiding out in their Godforsaken desert, but we do. Belgians, this week, dealt with their capital city being in lockdown by tweeting pictures of cats.
Eagles of Death Metal (EODM) fans have been messaging their favourite band urging them to play once again. Louise Donner’s husband was injured in the attacks, but wrote “we will drink beer and listen to rock n roll till our last breath”. Such a defiant reaction has been taken up by Joann Sfar in a series of cartoons. Only one is written in English, but sums up the prevailing mood perfectly. It reads: “we don’t need more religion! Our faith goes to music! Kisses! Life! Champagne and Joy!” As the Dowager Countess of Grantham (also known as Dame Maggie Smith) would most likely say: “Put that in your pipe and smoke it… Mr. Jihadi!”
But, perhaps the last word, fittingly, should come from another EODM fan, Edwige Pannier, who so eloquently writes: “Peace, love, and F#CK TERRORISM”. He speaks for us all.
George Appleton is a UCL graduate and freelance writer who is based in North Lancashire.
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