Posts tagged cermie

cermie:

And it’s called the “rally around the flag” effect. Political scientists came up with the name after 9/11 as an explanation for the public’s willingness to thrust the US into rather aimless wars with the overarching goal of a “war on terrorism”

I love Boston, I grew up in its suburbs, I spent my youth absorbing its culture in the many museums and sailing for $1 for the summer on the Charles River. I spend most of my weekends there in my boyfriend’s apartment. I love the accent, the extreme pride in our sports teams, the grittiness, the obsession with Dunkin iced coffees, the slow T, the things we all as  Bostonians commiserate and complain about when we are together (mostly the weather). 

Obama called us a “tough and resilient town” tonight, and I smiled. We are known for being not-so-warm to outsiders and have always grinned and bared it in our flinty New England style.

The Marathon is our spirit. We are proud, we come out in masses to observe, we cheer every single one of the athletes that comes through that finish line with fervor, and though we complain about the Kenyans sweeping the wins every year, we welcome them and people from all countries to participate in our race and show their excellence.

Today someone targeted this gathering that celebrates human endurance and tried to break us. I saw many things today, people rushing to help, to call those they loved, I was touched by the outbreak of concern for myself and my family. We were there, we were close, we are all home safe.

What I don’t appreciate now on my social media that I was talking about with my great friend @speakofmeinpresenttense is people saying “you messed with the wrong city” and that “Boston is coming for the terrorists”. I believe in justice, I believe we will find those responsible and they will be held accountable. Be critical. Don’t believe all you hear, let your skepticism blossom when you hear statements being made about the attackers.

Be careful with your tone, you are bordering on racism and an “us vs. them” mentality. The answer to a hateful act is not more hate. Boston is a beautiful, crazy, “wicked awesome” city, but we are not vengeful. Sure we have our playful rivalries when it comes to sports, but we do not hate.

I believe next year a more appropriate rallying point would be coming out again to what will surely be a very safe and secure marathon, and cheering all of our athletes once again, and showing our spirit won’t be broken.

I urge you all to read this before reacting against today’s events, because Julia is right. (And thank thank God Julia is safe.)