Terrorism In Barcelona: When Bad Things Happen To Good People

When injustice and unhappiness meet good people, life loses its rhythm and logic. But what kind-hearted people never lose is their hope. Even when malice hits her, the kindness of her heart keeps her bouncing back on her feet. It is she who sooner or later transforms them into stronger, more courageous people, even if they cannot yet see it for themselves.

It is said that terrorism is a weapon that takes more than human life and causes chaos. This weapon is used to instill fear in people. This fear gives her power over her victims. She makes it clear to them that the invisible threads of terror will change their way of life and reveal their need for security, whether they want it or not.

“Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty and a division of society.”

Patrick J. Kennedy

We experienced this feeling again on August 17, 2017 , when two new terrorist attacks were carried out in Barcelona and Cambrils, Spain. Once again we mourned the loss of life. The lives of beautiful, good people. Small children. Mothers and fathers. From grandparents, friends and citizens from 18 nations who spent an afternoon on one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

Evil has haunted us again. And while it’s no longer new or unique, even though there are hundreds of people around the world who die in similar circumstances every day, it’s more than that. It makes us swoon. How should we react to these situations? Psychologists who specialize in terrorism have an idea: Jeff Greenberg, Sheldon Solomon and Tom Pyszcynski warn us that these things will change us in a very special way.

Good people move closer together in bad situations

These days, social media is filled with photos of cats. But why? Many users have set themselves a common goal: to stop the spread of pictures of the victims. Instead, they share photos of their cats. They also want to slow down the possible filtering of information that could be useful to terrorists. But their plan is even broader: show solidarity, a wonderful interest in the neighbors.

The residents of Barcelona provide shelter and free transportation around the city to people in need. Companies also do their part. These situations help us see something: despite the chaos, tragedy and horror, it is generous deeds that ultimately honor us. There are pictures that show us how many good people live in our world. And that there are more than we thought.

That’s exactly what the experts are saying. Dr. Jeff Greenberg is a psychologist at the University of Arizona (Arizona, USA). He explains that after a terrorist attack like this we would use cultural survival mechanisms. Very few events make us feel as fragile and vulnerable as such attacks. Nothing is as devastating as having the feeling that the feeling of security is an illusion. Or that terrorism is so arbitrary and unpredictable that no one can oppose it.

Most of all, people then look for a way to regain stability. And that’s more than just rebuilding a bombed house. But in this context, far from a hateful and vengeful attitude, something very interesting happens to people: They feel a stronger sense of community. You feel part of a society that continues to believe in peace and respect. They continue to believe in the good in people.

Minimize and Maximize Terrorism

Psychologists and psychiatrists specializing in terrorism recommend that we should put two strategies into practice in these situations.

Let’s try to minimize it

• Let’s try to minimize people’s exposure to pictures of the attacks, but not to information. Most media will try to control access to the most terrifying images. But sooner or later we will see something that will affect us. So let’s avoid them. Let’s share photos of cats. And of people who do good.

• We also need to minimize our hateful thoughts.
• It is also essential to minimize the feeling of fear as much as possible. We cannot let terror triumph over us.

Let’s maximize …

• Let us try to maximize our acts of support and generosity.
• Our donations. Whether through social media, motivational messages, our presence or blood donations – we help.
• The positive attitude. We should stop being victims and instead encourage authentic support, solidarity and community.

Unfortunately, bad things happen to even good people. But we humans can understand that violence is a form of language and oppression. Understand that kindness knows no submission and never gives in to defeat. We will stand up to defend our values. Peace will be the flag we wave.