On Friday, the 13th, something horrible happened. Evil men decided to do something that no decent person could even conceive. I, like most people, learned about the events in Paris through social media. The following morning a good number of friends and members of my network had changed their profile pictures to the French Flag to show solidarity; however, just as many were posting about how changing your picture isn't helpful.
These people have never experienced calamity. These people probably aren't donating to the Friends of Fondation De France. Most of them are just trying to prove how deep, and thoughtful they are by actively campaigning against spreading awareness of the victim's plight.
The purpose of changing your profile picture is not in itself to raise funds. It's to let others know that something is happening. When a person checks their feed when they wake up in the morning and sees a multitude of French Flags, they ask questions. They might have the funds to donate that some college student, who had changed their profile picture, does not.
The flags also serve, more importantly, to show solidarity. Donations to organizations are great, yes, but they support only a minority of victims and those affected. Many families lost sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers that day, but they still have a house, food, and, to a non-profit, will be seen as without need. What they do need is support. To know that they are not forgotten, that the world at large cares about their loss. That is what the picture means, that you care.
If you do want to offer donations to organizations helping those directly affected by the attack, you can do so here: Friends Of Fondation De France, Inc. - Cheers, and be safe.
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