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In the aftermath of the abhorrent and vile attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, my heart is consumed with a seething fury and a feeling of deep sorrow. The pain is all too familiar. I am forced to revisit and rehash a blog I first penned in 2015. Its topic, the five reasons why terrorism is a devastating plague, remains as relevant and poignant today, if not more so. We are approaching the 2024 Christmas holiday. My mind lingers on the innocent Black men striving to achieve a better life outside societal limitations. People often misunderstand and unjustly label us with tarnishing stereotypes, and it’s simply because we refuse to conform and follow the crowd. That comes with a cost.
Black people’s biggest challenge is not the systemic racism. No, it’s something far more insidious and destructive – terrorism. I feel a profound betrayal as terrorists target and attack Christmas markets. Many people had a tough year. 2024 is full of challenges. Many people see this Christmas holiday as a time to press the reset button for a bit of normalcy. We anticipate what 2025 will bring us. As a staunch traditionalist and a devout follower of the Abrahamic faith, I have always seen Europe as a bastion of Christian values. We decorate our homes with Christmas ornaments, preparing for a hearty feast with our loved ones. These Christmas markets are a great place to visit and bask in a moment of normalcy.
When terrorists choose to strike at Churches and Christmas markets, they not only cause harm to the innocent. They also wage war against our culture and way of life. It is a cowardly and heinous act, and it is all the more enraging. This was committed by someone living and enjoying the many privileges of a country like Germany for almost two decades. I’m overwhelmed with seething anger, crushing grief, and a burning desire for justice. The details in this narrative are muddled, but the memories of the US and Canada issuing warnings of a potential attack are vivid. North America urged us to avoid crowded places like the market. Little did we know that this firm warning would become a haunting reality.
These radicals from the Middle East have thrust us into a shared struggle, turning their turmoil into our anguish. Some may argue that not all people from the Middle East are radical, and indeed, not all are even Muslims. But the one constant is that radical extremists from the Middle East have repeatedly caused destruction and death on public property, targeting the innocent in their misguided attempt to protest their grievances. I can only speak from my experience. To me, living in Germany should be a privilege like no other. It’s a place where safety is not just a word but a quality of life. In the suburbs, every evening at about 7 pm, the streets come alive with the soft glow of their traditional streetlights.
There is the comforting sound of silence as the city goes indoors. Inside the cozy homes, you can almost smell the delicious dinner prepared by a feminine, conservative, fit, and intelligent lady who effortlessly balances European tradition with modernity. The men are treated like kings, enjoying candlelit dinners, wine glasses, intimate moments with their partners, or other unique forms of pleasure and entertainment. The privileges I refer to extend beyond these cozy evenings at home. The air, food, and water quality in Germany is unmatched, with only the freshest and finest ingredients sold in grocery stores. When it comes to raising children, healthcare, and education, Germany truly shines.
Access to many services is free for just about everyone, allowing people to pursue their dreams without the burden of crippling debt. Compared to other places like the Middle East, Asia, India, or Africa, jobs are available, salaries are decent, and possibilities exist for budding entrepreneurs to launch their start-up businesses. And let’s not forget about the efficient and affordable public transportation, making exploring this stunning country a breeze. You also have the opportunity to wear fine clothes. I literally got a brand-new wardrobe. An immigrant who has fled oppression from their home country should revel in the chance to live a better life out here. That is what makes this more heartbreaking.
And what truly captures my heart are the fairytale-like towns that dot unique architecture on pristine landscapes. It’s like living in a wonderland where even the wild grass bears flowers, where every turn takes you to a magical space. And the technology here? Top-notch and constantly evolving. I could go on and on about the wonders of living in Germany (or Europe, for that matter), but every country has flaws. However, life in Europe should be as close to perfection as it gets. It saddens me to see people fleeing oppressive regimes in other countries only to come here and oppress the locals. Some don’t embrace the beauty of life in this country or strive to make it even better for all who call it home.
A country that has given this Saudi Arabian radicalist a thriving profession and a comfortable life. We see the same thing in Denmark, Sweden, and other parts of Europe. Yet he chose to rant, threaten, rent a vehicle, and mow down innocent people, killing a child and four others while critically injuring dozens more? This is another major obstacle for innocent Black men and other immigrants trying to make something of themselves. Now, the Germans are talking about stricter immigration laws, viewing unintegrated foreigners with suspicion. Black men already face many challenges, born with nothing and expected to remain as such. We need a fair playing field with enough flexibility to maneuver.
Do we need entitled immigrants from the Middle East to cause so much trouble that they make the community unenjoyable for other immigrants? People have to fear for their lives from these faceless terrorists who hide behind their extremist beliefs. It doesn’t matter if we follow traditional Islam. It’s not the religion that’s in question. It’s the terrorism that has infiltrated and twisted it into something unrecognizable. These terrorists are not just activists exercising their freedom of speech to call for change. No, they are violent and destructive radicals, causing harm and chaos in the name of their twisted agenda. These are not philosophers. And so, as I sit here writing this, I feel a strong sense of urgency.
We must unite as a community, country, and world to fight against this evil that threatens us all. We must not let fear divide us. But instead, let it unite us in our determination to eradicate terrorism so we can protect innocent lives.
