Underneath the mantra “Je Suis Charlie” (I am Charlie) many hit the streets of Paris, as well as social media and the the world, to protest the tragic shooting of cartoon humorists at Charlie Hebdo.
Photo by: Whitten Bumbalough, Photo Manager

By: Katelyn Liston, Reporter

From January 7, 2015 to January 9, 2015, France was in a state of terror due to Islamic extremists, who caused chaos throughout Paris. This fear was a result of a series of five attacks in Paris, France. These included the Charlie Hebdo shooting, 12 fatalities, the death of a police woman, the robbing of petrol station by Hebdo suspects, the shooting of the Hebdo suspects, and the hostage situation including the suspects, 4 fatalities. After the deaths, multiple protests began worldwide against Islamic extremists and for freedom of speech. These movements have all acquired the slogan “Je Suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie,” in English.

The Charlie Hebdo shooting was triggered by the repeated depiction of the Islamic prophet Muhammad by the French satirical journal, Charlie Hebdo. Muhammad is forbidden to be depicted in Islamic culture to avoid the worship of his image rather than the prophet himself, so the unrest was predicted, but not the extreme revenge some would take.

Many countries have shown their sympathy for France’s people and support for freedom of speech through their attendance at peace protests.

Charlie Hebdo “did not [go] overboard; free countries have free speech. The world is a lot smaller because of technology. It is absolutely impossible to police images. Religious extremism is going to have to moderate itself unless it wants to spend the rest of its existence fighting,” says AP Language and Composition teacher, Mr. Doug Hernandez.

There have been multiple protests throughout the world against the irrational actions taken by the Islamic extremists, the most significant being the one in Paris, France on January 11, 2015. The rally had 3.7 million peaceful protesters and over 40 world leaders who came together to show their stance against terrorism. This group, however, did not include a single American leader.

Sophomore Aaron Zhang says, “It degrades our social status in the world. Some [countries] look up to America, but now they may have to reconsider. The people are left betrayed because America hasn’t lived up to it’s expectations.”

There has been a surplus of negative reports regarding America’s absence, but some assume this absence was justified because America does not want to give Islamic extremists the reaction they were hoping for. President Obama tried to resolve the problem by delivering a speech on the issue with at least 40 lawmakers showing support in his audience.

Junior and former European resident, Maliha Kareem says, “I believe the USA should have attended the peace protest. Following the horrific terrorist attack, millions of people—including world leaders—gathered the streets of Paris and marched in unity. This rally was not only for mourning the lives lost but to support freedom of expression. Because the USA [is] a country founded on such ideas, [as shown in] the first amendment, it is very disappointing that no representatives were there fighting for what our country stands for. Je suis Charlie.”

“Je Suis Charlie,” continues to spread rapidly as a tag on social media and topic; there is even an app which identifies the “Charlies,” or the people who support the “Je suis Chalier” movement, in your local area. The United States government may have had a point when deciding not to participate in this rally, but citizens of America have yet to see or hear about it.