Just this morning, on Mar. 15, a mass shooter killed 49 people at the Christchurch mosque in New Zealand. The suspect is described as a “white-supremacist” in his late-twenties who is currently being held accountable for these hateful actions. Many are praying for the victims families as well as discussing multiple matters that this event has brought to light. There is no doubt this was a terrorist attack and what was so appalling to many about this shooting, in particular, is that it was broadcasted for the public to see.

As technology progresses we, as humans, consume such a vast amount of media daily. With a click of a button we can see what’s happening with our friend next door, or our favorite celebrity, or even a man who committed a mass shooting in a different country. No matter how young or how old you are, no one wants to watch the mind process of someone so heinous first-hand. A big topic of discussion when it came to this livestream (mainly among millenials and gen-zers) is that the mass shooter decided to shout “Subscribe to Pewdiepie” during the broadcast.

If you don’t know who Pewdiepie is, he is the most subscribed-to individual on youtube who is currently “battling” an Indian multi-media company called “T-Series” to see who can keep the position for most subscribers on youtube. With an audience of over 89 million viewers, of all ages, many are putting Pewdiepie at fault for giving a platform to alt-right individuals. Twitter is currently filled with divisive opinions about the situation, creating havoc among our youth. But, what many people fail to realize is the mass shooter had also written his own manifesto stating how he wants to create a “civil war.” This points out that one of the main focuses he had today was to create division and conflict and by saying Pewdiepie’s name, who has such a big influence, further helps his cause.

We can all agree that media likes to create battles and conflict between what seems like two sides of the spectrum by pushing extremities of both parties to spread their rhetoric and make them look the best that they can. As a student, I feel that it is important to still be capable of having discussions about issues like these without shutting out an opposing opinion before hearing it. That is what the mass shooter wants, a civil war, and continuing to pick people out and condemn them for something they had no control over further satisfies this sick individual. It’s a beautiful thing that we are so privileged to be able to express our thoughts and opinions on situations like these to others, so use that privilege wisely and let others practice that freedom as well.

(This article does not condone hate-speech, bigotry, racism, or the actions of the subject discussed. All opinions presented are subject to the writer and writer only.)