editorial –
Be it intentional or unintentional, public response to last Sunday morning’s Orlando nightclub attack was shocking, disappointing and in many ways, disgusting. The moment the news about the shooting in Orlando started dribbling through social media, it was early Sunday morning – response seemed limited to family, friends and LGBT community.
As the number of fatalities added up, making the mass shooting at the Pulse club in Orlando the deadliest in U.S. history, social media responses started becoming political and religious. The topic of terrorism and gun control began to take over all social platforms. Right wing politicians refused to say the word gay or LGBT. Orlando’s own state Governor didn’t even acknowledge the LGBT community in his first press conference only referencing the bravery of first responders.
Gun advocates and NRA supporters do what they always do in these situations; fold their arms and repeat “Second Amendment” and “Guns Don’t Kill People“. Left Wing begin shouting “More Gun Control” . Religious pastors and clergy post “Repent and Come To God“. Radical Christian Extremists express statements like “This was a great weekend, 49 less pedophiles on earth”
What about mainstream America? What was their response? There really wasn’t any. After reviewing hundreds of family, friends and associate’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts; most went on with their day as if nothing had happened. As I scrolled through profiles one after another, I became very sad then very angry. The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history brought out posts like: “Having a great time at the beach today”, “We had one of the best weekends ever”, “BBQ with family and friends, can’t get any better than this”. It went on and on. Posts about sports scores, music videos, jokes, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, not everyone ignored. Many did stand up and showed support, compassion and love. When you compare this horrific event to something like the Boston bombing where three people died; reality sets in. The reality that homophobia is still very strong in this country. Much of mainstream America’s religious belief have them prioritizing bible verses over humanity. Many still are uncomfortable of saying the word gay.
Here’s the reality I wish everyone would understand; 49 people are dead. They’re not just gay. They’re not just guys. They’re not sinners. They’re human. They’re brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, family, friends, straight, gay. They’re people. They are human beings. Their memory does not deserve to be ignored because of your religious belief, political stance or for your gun rights or laws. They need to be remembered for the time they spent with us and for who they are.
As I wrote this article, I sat back in my chair and thought to myself, it’s 2016 in America. Who would of thought I would be writing a topic like this. It’s so sad for everyone.
This is a editorial by staff member Allen Edwards. You can contact him at allen@pnnmedia.com
