Community strength makes the world seem a little brighter

When the news becomes too difficult to bear and the internet becomes a breeding ground of hate, focusing on the good makes the world seem like a better place.

Messages of hope were left at the Mosque of Sunshine Coast over the weekend, proving the Sunshine Coast community was full of love and hope. Picture: Patrick Woods

OPINION:

THERE are times when the news becomes too difficult to bear. As a journalist, even when you want to hide away and avoid the horrific details, you can't.

You come across terrible stories and the people who make it seem even worse, and sometimes it feels like there's no good left in the world.

Friday's terrorist attack at Christchurch was just that.

While the Sunshine Coast Daily newsroom was so far removed from the situation, we all stopped and watched it unfold in horror like it was happening on our own doorstep.

Then, when it seemed like the worst was over, the internet became a breeding ground for uneducated, hateful people to leave their offensive comments and push the divide between left and right even further.

Queensland Senator Fraser Anning's comments blaming the attack on immigration were completely unjustified and, in my opinion, should have him booted from parliament.

People like Senator Anning should be held to account for fostering dangerous attitudes, and we should not continue giving them a platform to do so.

Senior constable Matt Clark reads messages of hope left at the Mosque of Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods

As I spent the weekend reading the stories of the 50 people who were killed and feeling like there was more hate than love in the world, our loving community made me realise there was hope after all.

Hundreds gathered for a candlelit vigil to honour the victims and their families, and it seemed like everyone was standing behind New Zealand and our local Muslim community.

This is what we need to focus on. There is love, there is hope and we are one.

Originally published as Community strength makes the world seem a little brighter