Why #onelovemanchester was what we needed
I live in the UK and unfortunately, like many countries in the world, we're going through some tough times at the moment. It can't be compared to the turmoil some people have to experience everyday, but it is scary, especially for a place that isn't use to situations like this. The attack in Manchester hit home; as a music lover, it was like a personal ambush on something that was created to only spread love and positivity. The sympathy felt for those affected practically radiated across the nation and to have support from across the globe only strengthened the feeling of unity and love. While many argue that showing support on social media does fuck all, I politely disagree. The day I heard about the attack, my grandma hugged me and we cried together as she thanked god I wasn't there- to live in a world where this happens is heartbreaking. But looking on Twitter and finding the countless messages from individuals, fans, political figures and celebrities helped me to remember that love truly does win. The lives taken in the Manchester Attack will never, ever be forgotten and the onelovemanchester gig helped to provide a big 'fuck you' to the hate that took away the lives of the children and the innocent. Ariana shared a stage with many artists tonight and showed the world that she isn't afraid, that she will not let hate win and this is exactly the kind of positivity the world needs right now. While acts of hate take the limelight and swamp the media, we forget that for every horrible situation there are 100 more brilliant, magical ones taking place, just like the concert this evening. THESE are the moments that defeat hate and these are the moments we need to create and celebrate. Hate doesn't have a religion or an ethnicity or a gender or a sexuality; it is the fuel behind individuals who are scared of love, intimated by solidarity. The UK is small, but fuck it is strong and we are going to pick ourselves back up after Manchester and the attack in London just like we have countless times before. The UK does not tolerate hate, nor does is cower away at the first sign of conflict. The UK celebrates its diversity and finds the love within even the darkest of times. Onelovemanchester was needed to show the world that the UK will not back down and to show hate that the world will always be there to combat the dark with love. To those who were affected by the Machester attack or the recent attack in London, I send my deepest sympathy. You are the fighters and we are the army here to help you fight for those the nation lost.
