Today was a day of two halves for me. It showed both the best of humanity, and some of the worst. Starting with the worst, The news of the shooting in Christchurch was a dark reminder that there is no corner of this world where you can escape hate. 1/?
The killing of others, no matter what cause you claim to follow, or who you target, is wrong on so many levels. The Canadian in me is reminded of the attack in Quebec City back in 2017, and I have a similar feeling of both anger and sadness, 2/?
Whilst I don't know anyone in NZ, I want to say that if someone from #Christchurch stumbles across this tweet, we are here for you, no matter what. What I am not here for is the coverage. 3/?
Some media outlets (I shan't mention which) have been seeming to want to humanise the shooter, or trying to turn the story away from the fact that a white male nationalist was responsible. Take in comparison Shamima Begum. 3/?
Both Begum and the Christchurch killer were radicalised and complicit in acts of extremism. However, Begum has been vilified by those same outlets that are attempting to humanise the Christchurch killer. Don't get me wrong. We need to hold both responsible for their actions, 5/?
but there should not be a different approach because of someone's ethnicity or religion. Harper Lee wrote 'In our court, all men are created equal', and I strive for the day when that can be said of our media too. 6/?
On the other hand, today, I joined students from the University, Exeter College and members of the public as we participated in the youth strike for climate. Despite what people may be commenting and tweeting about how kids may be insincere or 'just doing it for time off', 7/?
I was inspired by how many people showed up and how much young people were enthused to stand up for a cause. Climate change will affect all of us, within our lifetime, and the youth are really taking the lead in pushing for government action. 8/?
Children may be taught to be quiet, to be seen and not heard, but this is one matter where young people will be heard. I have some hope for the future, because of people like those protesters. 9/10
People standing for a common cause, no matter their ethnicity, religion, age, or background, is a future I can really get behind. I have hope for the future, even despite the present. Thank you #FridaysForFuture #Exeter for helping to spark that hope. 10/10
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