[Pigeon Lady]

...something I had noticed with this attack when it happened...was that ‘Islamic’ was referred to in the media and reporting...even though it was reported ‘no evidence that....’..etc...it’s still a reference, so I just think it’s inevitable with such reporting that links will be as they e been in the thread...awful reporting by the medias I think...

...and even now, references are still being made in the media...

‘He said there was no evidence linking the suspect to Islamist militancy, and that he was not a refugee.’

...he was someone who was mentally ill, was known to the police...there are things that are known now...why still the words ‘Islamist’ and ‘refugee’, even in the context they’re being used to say that he wasn’t...for me I think...obviously it would associate and link because surely it’s intended to...

[Tinsel balls]

Originally Posted by Livia

This is the latest attack of choice for your Islamist terrorist. We've heard countless stories now of terrorists driving cars into crowds. So it's not a stretch of the imagination when you hear of an identical attack to immediately assume an Islamist is behind it. It's not a crime to leap immediately for the obvious. It doesn't make you anti-Muslim, or racist, or anything. And it really pisses me off when someone comes on the call everyone out on being racists when it is not the case.

I don't need to add anything to this Livia,well said

[Cherie Christmas]

Back to the issue in hand, it is only human nature to automatically assume terrorism when this happens given the state of the world at the moment. I don't see an issue with that, I agree with TS it probably best to wait before airing those views as it isn't helpful.

[Toy Soldier]

Back on thread topic; of course everyone has prejudice and makes snap judgements, it is indeed "human nature" and as Maru alluded to earlier, its even an essential part of human psychology (as in order to work effeciently , our brains HAVE to categorise, or else we'd constantly be raking through every experience we've ever had, every time we have a thought, and our heads would explode).

Anyone who claims that they have zero prejudice or never have thoughts that amount to stereotyping is straight up lying... BUT, we're (supposedly) not just basic human animals these days, we're supposed to be socialised and civilised, and part of that is STOPPING for a minute when one has those thoughts to say "well hold on... Is that rational? Is it logical? What else might be going on? Should I wait for more information before making a decision on what I think is going on here?"

When no further information is forthcoming, again its understandable to start to "ponder" and draw conclusions. An example there would be the McCann case, or several other "high profile mysteries". But in this case, the further information was available really VERY soon after the event. There's not much excuse for people feeling the need to share "suspicions and assumptions", that turned out to be totally off base, so quickly.

[MB.]

RIP to the two killed

[AnnieKristmas]

Absolutely MB -

Thoughts to the families of those lost in this tragic event and speedy recovery to the injured.