U.S.' 'Lack of Support' for Paris Tragedy - Sophia Davison

     In these recent days after the appalling tragedy in Paris, France, gracious condolences and wholehearted support has been shown by countries and leaders around the globe. The U.S., known for, especially in these past few years, major outreach and immediate response with support or criticism for happening events was missing a major figure in an honorary Unity March: our president. This absence has left many questioning and critical about the role of our leader in the world today, yet one can see how the absence has been blown out of proportion by the media. The importance of a strong leader in our society is essential to our nation running soundly and the continuous international communication and contribution, and this is an increasing concern as of this 'missed leadership opportunity' for Obama. Supposedly the Secret Service was never informed of any plans for a trip to France, and the president's social schedule was supposedly 'empty', making him available to attend this massive mourning and supportive gathering - however - one does not know what the real situation is due to no explanation from Obama himself. Humans are.. quite human, and have personal obligations themselves which could have been the case in this circumstance, but the reality of the situation is that our nation's top-guy was not present at a very important social event, which did provide support and understanding during the mourning of these lost artists and publishers, and the media has gone hay-wire on this faux pas. Obama did later visit Paris and pay his respects to the leaders there, but no recompense is possible now. The media will not back down from this any time soon, though : "Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN's "Global Public Square," called the absence of top U.S. officials a mistake. France is the United States' "deepest ideological ally," he said, and it would have been a meaningful image to have a senior administration member, or the President, standing shoulder to shoulder with other leaders."

 Hopefully this social blunder will not affect the 'image' of the U.S. today in the eyes of the world, although that is nearly inevitable with how much of a focus image is in politics and social gatherings such as this, these days. France's response to America's support shown by other means than the Unity March has been exceptionally appreciated and received with open arms. This event is just like any other in U.S. history, especially in the gradual build-up of corporate image and social style began to become hugely important to politicians and businessmen. However, I can only hope that this previous pattern does not lead our future onto that same path of image-oriented, label-based monopolies and international relations that has carried us often times before.  

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/12/politics/obama-kerry-paris/index.html