Eye of The Storm or General Lull?

After the climatic, history-marking events we've witnessed in the past month, it appears that we have hit an absurd political, emotional and quasi-existential wall. After the overwhelming mix of terror, union, pride, outrage and grief, we have either reached a recovery period, or are just unsure as to how to be, or whether or not there is anything tangible to do next. In the short term, the only concrete measures we can take seem to show a contradiction between principles and action; for example, a classic piece of advice would be to keep safe, secure and vigilant, avoiding obvious assimilation with anti-jihadist forces. However, this would appear to conflict with the proud notion of 'don't let them control you with fear, that's exactly what they want from us!'.

Unfortunately, our 'ethical' principles often clash with the emotional practicalities of everyday life. Of course, we'd love to carry on taking things in our stride, holding our heads high and not allowing fear to infiltrate our pysche. However, it is inevitable to feel unnerved and anxious, to the extent of semi-irrationally minding what one says and does. I think the best maxim is, without trying to sound too Aristotelian, the central point between two extremes is often the best choice. In other words, our actions and behaviour at present cannot be grounded or based on a framework that is constructed from extremes; 'never show fear in front of these monsters', and 'we must be extremely careful during these times' are two conventional examples. Using one's common sense is the best option. Like the judicial system, in which every case and situation calls for modifications in legal judgement and application of law, solutions to these events should never be approached with a fixed, unchanging and adamant position.

Whatever the case, this period is a strange one for politics, journalism and global relations. It is clear that the media is heavily influencing us, which is often problematic. Many events of an equally - if not more - horrific nature become overlooked due to other events taking precedence (due to a mixture of patriotic, traditionalist values that tie in with the Western narrative of defending justice and liberty of expresson). The massacre that has recently taken place in Africa is a clear example - an outrage that should, in theory, be sparking more media attention and public mobilisation than Charlie Hebdo. Of course, the debate is a controversial one. It is often difficult to separate oneself from one's attachment to their Western values, but it is very important - especially now - to be neutral in how we approach these hugely complex issues; they call for reflection and inspection.

So yes, keep calm and carry on. But above all, use common sense.