Parisians Unite!

Parisians Unite!

By: Andrea Ruvalcaba & Ali Bradbury

Over the weekend Mountain View students used the hashtag #prayforparis over social media. Terrorist attacks on Paris only invigorated the spirit of unity and love as the hashtag was used throughout the world. French teacher Ms. Paxton encourages students to look at the positive effect, if any, and to defy the fear that the terrorist are trying to install. She quotes Mr. Roger; “Look for the helpers.” Terror struck Paris as it underwent an attack in several locations by terrorist group ISIS. Realization began to sink in as a state of emergency was issued; France was a country under attack. Parisians were advice to stay off the streets and stay indoors; transportation shut down and many did not have a mode for shelter. Parisians opened their hearts and doors to those outdoors and far from home. The hashtag #porteouverte was used to post addresses on social media. The hashtag means “open door,” signifying a welcome into the resident’s house with a promise of comfort. The spirit of unity and consolation was also felt as others helped by donating blood. Masses of people were reported to have been waiting in lines in Paris on Saturday to donate blood: despite the state of emergency and the discouragement of large gatherings and government advisement to avoid public areas, many Parisians still showed up to donation centers. The hashtag #dondusang was used to promote the donation of blood for those who had been injured in the attacks. These weren’t all the actions promoting unity and defiance towards the terrorists. Man whose wife was killed in the attacks, wrote a powerful letter in defiance. Antoine Leiris posted the letter on facebook, written in French. He wrote that he and his 17 month old son will continue their lives. He asserts that both himself and his son will be unafraid and will not hate those that caused the terrible occurrence to befall his wife and many others. Antoine Leiris wrote what many have demonstrated through their actions, as previously mentioned. The Eiffel Tower had been dimmed in mourning following the attacks. It is now been relit in blue, white and red colors of the french flag. Paris’s motto is also projected unto the monument “Fluctuat nec mergitur” translated, Tossed but not sunk. Parisians and many around the globe unite in an attitude of defiance. And as Mlle Paxton said, “Helpers are seen everywhere when we look.”