When I first learned about the bombing at the Manchester Arena in England, I was understandably shaken and disturbed. Bomb attacks are horrifying, especially in crowded places where escaping safely can be difficult. However, when I discovered that it occurred during an Ariana Grande concert, I felt utterly devastated. My mind immediately went to the demographics of the audience—predominantly young women and girls, many accompanied by their parents. An attack targeting such a gathering seemed like a direct assault on women and children, and it left me questioning the motivations behind such cruelty.
It’s clear that these acts of violence are premeditated and carefully orchestrated. The perpetrator (or perpetrators) of the Manchester attack knew they would predominantly face an audience of young females. What could they possibly find so threatening about a venue filled with empowered young women? Girls are the leaders of tomorrow; they hold the potential to drive change and challenge the status quo. Could this be what frightens those who perpetrate such heinous acts?
To clarify, I would feel heartbroken and enraged regardless of the setting or the audience involved. However, this particular incident felt especially invasive, almost as if it were a personal attack.
Then, the anger morphed into a terrifying realization: that could have been me. I attended my first concert at 12, alongside my best friend, who was also 13. Our parents would drop us off, trusting us to navigate the event and meet them afterwards. In my teenage years, I often attended concerts without adult supervision, and my parents never seemed to worry about our safety. They were excited for us to create unforgettable memories.
After ninth grade, my mom, who used to join me at events, gradually stepped back. If I was capable of commuting to school alone, my friends and I could certainly handle standing in line for a concert or an MTV event. We attended multiple concerts a year without any chaperones, and we felt safe. Our biggest concern was whether we could grab a tour program or the best merchandise.
On September 11, my best friend and I were supposed to attend an O-Town concert. The concert was postponed due to the tragic events of that day, but despite that, we weren’t afraid to go to the rescheduled show. Our parents didn’t express any fear either; they merely reminded us to stick together and keep our phones handy for emergencies—standard advice they had always given.
Now, as a parent myself, my perspective has shifted dramatically. I find myself deeply concerned about the realities of the world today. Seeing images and posts from frantic parents searching for their missing children makes me feel physically ill—this could easily be my family.
My toddler shares my love for live performances, and we often bond over attending shows together. However, if terrorists are willing to target a concert full of teenagers, who’s to say the next attack won’t be aimed at an event for even younger children? I shouldn’t have to worry that taking my child to see a beloved children’s act could end in tragedy. My father expressed his concern too, asking, “What if you were at that concert?” It’s a painful thought that weighs heavily on him.
I have tickets to see a popular artist this fall, and I shouldn’t be anxious about attending a concert, fearing I might not return to my son. While it’s likely that everything will go smoothly and we’ll have a great time, that doesn’t erase my feelings of worry, anxiety, and frustration. It all feels too close to home, too heartbreaking.
Music venues are supposed to be safe havens, spaces where people from all walks of life can come together. Music has always been a refuge for me, especially during my teenage years. To think that someone would disrupt such a sanctuary for young fans is appalling. These were children, and the attacker knew it. It’s unacceptable to target anyone’s children, ever. I wish we could all agree that kids should always be off-limits.
However, amidst the darkness, there is a flicker of hope. The coverage emerging from Manchester has demonstrated remarkable resilience; young girls are coming together to uplift one another, showcasing their strength and determination to overcome this tragedy. They are proving that love and light can prevail, making their families and communities proud, and they make me proud too.
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In summary, the Manchester bombing has deeply affected me as a mother and a woman, highlighting the vulnerabilities we face in today’s world. However, the strength exhibited by the community in the aftermath serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.