So here we are, after the hashtag selfies #BringBackOurGirls, we've decided to put baby in the corner. Forget the bath water. It's the acid test that needed to be thrown out with the predictability of our society. As I punched in the characters in search for news about the girls, the results were dwarfed by the coverage of the Kardashian-West wedding. Yes, we are more concerned about the nuptials of egotistical megalomaniacs than the plight of nearly 280 girls who long to be home with their loved ones. Yes, let's put those babies in the corner...at least after the wedding.
It's been more than a month, and our fickleness has nearly erased any indignation and interest for these girls. We are more enthralled by mothers of the brides with boy toys than we are of those who cry each night, kissing the pictures of their missing children. Perhaps, we've assumed that our government has everything handled. Perhaps, we think that Boko Haram isn't mistreating them in any way. No. They probably aren't being starved or mistreated or abused. At least they shouldn't be while Kim tries to fit her popular posterior into a tight, expensive gown.
When the story surfaced of the girls abducted by the militant terrorist faction from Chibok, Nigeria, we erected the hashtag that became synonymous with support for girls rights. Now, it's become a painful reminder of social media selfie superficial advocacy. #BringBackOurGirls branding peaked among trending hashtags, then it trickled down. However, regardless of our lack of interest, events are still unfolding in the pursuit of getting the girls home. There have been outpouring of aid from humanitarian organizations (Malala Fund, Girl Rising, Amnesty International, etc.), and countries have offered intelligence and other vital information in contribution to resolve this hostage crisis. On May 20, Nigeria formally sought for sanctions against the Boko Haram from the United Nations Security Council. Activists in Nigeria are proactively working, tirelessly, to pressure the government and anyone they can get to bring a quick yet safe resolution to this tragedy.
Perhaps, it's logical that those who are busy working in the backgrounds on behalf of these girls aren't concerned about overpriced weddings. Most of them, mainly the mothers, just want to be able to give their daughter one. These girls weren't interested in the spotlight or fame; they just wanted to be educated. So, as we wave away and dismiss the tale of those kidnapped girls, the reality remains for many that it is all too real. Perhaps, it's time that we put away those selfies and hold up a mirror to ourselves.
