* * *
There have been any number of groups that have popped up on Facebook which I find particularly touching. I love seeing people all across the country and world pulling together to show support for those at VT, and many schools have created images juxtaposing their logos with the VT logo and the VT logo superimposed over a black ribbon, as has been around lately. Particularly amazing is how many of these show up at schools which are typically rivals with VT: UVA, UNC, West Virginia, and other schools in the state of VA and the ACC. It's amazing how deep the love truly is when it comes right down to it.
BUT... what bugs me through all this is the saying that so often accompanies these pictures; "Today we are all Hokies". No, we're not. I understand the sentiment: We're here with you and standing strong with you through these tough times, but the saying is, if you'll pardon the pun, hokey. I find it misguided at best and at worst downright offensive to those who were pesonally affected. We weren't all New Yorkers after 9/11 (though we were all Americans, well those of us who are, anyway), we weren't all Oklahomans after the OKC bombing, and we aren't all Hokies now. Quite frankly I find it insulting for me or others to insinuate that I am touched in this tragedy in the same way that someone who heard shots ring out on campus, who personally lost a loved one, or even can relate as an alumnus in a way that "damn, had this been a Monday morning in Spring '03 I would have been sitting in that classroom" or even just knowing that your personal stomping grounds, your ALMA MATER have been shaken up. I am as empathetic and sympathetic as I can be, but no, I am not a Hokie. May God and prayers be with them, but it ain't me and I won't pretend that it is.
Anyway, much love to all you and yours and particularly anyone personally or indirectly affected by this tragedy.
