Editorial: Why do Paris attacks get all the coverage?
A woman carrying flowers cries in front of the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris Saturday Nov. 14, 2015, a day after a series of attacks in Paris. French officials said scores of people died Friday night when attackers launched gun attacks at Paris cafes, detonated suicide bombs near France’s national stadium and killed hostages inside a concert hall during a rock show. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Following the deadly terrorist attacks on Paris, many countries held hands and flew the colors of the French flag as they prayed for France. The media showed many civilians offering their prayers, support, and love. Although the events in Paris were tragic and deserving of the attention it has received, it does raise a question about our countries selective sympathy. Why is a terrorist attack in Paris more important in the eyes of America than a terrorist attack in a less developed country?
There have been over 300 terrorist attacks in 2015 alone. These attacks go on every month of the year; however, the majority of them go unnoticed or at least unreported. But why do Americans turn a deaf ear to the wails and cries of these innocent civilians being slaughtered? Isn’t a life in another country just as important as a life on our own soil? Is it fair that people’s lives in countries that don’t contribute to American wealth are viewed as less important? Why is the killing of 147 Kenyan students this past April less newsworthy than lives lost at a French concert?
Many were eager to send their prayers to Paris, but weren’t there any prayers for the people who lost their lives in Beirut? The people in Kenya were attacked only eight months ago and there has been no outcry? A day before the attack in Paris, Beirut suffered a double suicide bombing. The crowds of people were shot at randomly, similar to the attack in Paris. This attack killed 43 people and wounded 239. These and many attacks similar to Paris happen all over the world, yet, Americans turn a cold shoulder to these countries.
Who determines what news is worthy of coverage? Ultimately the answer is you. News channels cover the news that affects its viewers and can produce ratings and money for their stations. If Americans continue to live in their naive shells and do not make efforts to spread awareness of global issues, then the world will never unite. America should be working hand in hand with the powerful and the poor to make the world a safer and more peaceful place for every one of its citizens. No matter what colors a country flaunts, individuals should have the same willingness to help.
Since the human race is the only true race on earth, we should be working together for the betterment of our world.