When I first learned about the bombing at the Manchester Arena in England, I was understandably shaken and distressed. Attacks like this are horrific, especially in crowded venues where escape can be a challenge. But the moment I realized it took place during an Ariana Grande concert, I was utterly heartbroken. I immediately thought of the audience — primarily young women and girls, many of them accompanied by friends or family. Anyone who would choose to attack a concert filled with such a demographic clearly harbors animosity towards women.
I know these acts are never random. They are meticulously planned. The individual (or individuals) behind the Manchester Arena attack was fully aware that the crowd would be largely composed of young girls and women. What is it about women that they find so threatening that they would resort to such violence? Young girls represent our future, the ones who will drive change and create equality. Is the prospect of empowered young women that frightening? This thought keeps circling in my mind.
To clarify, I would feel devastated and enraged no matter the venue or the crowd, but this specific incident felt particularly targeted and invasive.
As the anger subsided, a chilling realization hit me: That could have been me. I attended my first concert when I was just about to turn 13, alongside my best friend. Our parents dropped us off, trusting us to enjoy the event and return safely afterward. Throughout my teenage years, my friends and I often went to concerts without adult supervision. We thrived on those experiences, never worrying about potential danger — our focus was on the music and the excitement of the event.
After my ninth-grade year, my parents eased up on their supervision. They figured if I could manage a daily commute to school on my own, attending a concert with friends was also manageable. We would go to multiple concerts each year without a chaperone, and fear was never on our radar. The excitement of snagging a good T-shirt or the latest tour program was all that mattered.
On September 11, my friend and I were supposed to go to an O-Town concert in Manhattan. Although the concert was postponed due to that tragic day, we were still unafraid to attend the rescheduled event. Our parents had no worries either; they simply advised us to stay close together and keep our cell phones handy — the same guidance they always provided.
Now, however, I am not just a nostalgic concert-goer; I’m also a parent. As a mom, my anxiety about the world has grown tremendously. The images and posts on social media showing terrified parents searching for their missing children are gut-wrenching. That could easily be me.
I have a young child who shares my love for live performances, and we often bond over attending shows together. But if terrorists are willing to target a concert filled with teenagers, what’s to stop them from striking at events for even younger audiences? I shouldn’t have to live in fear of taking my son to see The Wiggles, worrying that we might not return home.
During a conversation with my father about the Manchester bombing, he expressed concern, asking, “What if you were at that concert?” Because no matter how old I get, I’ll always be his little girl, and the thought of me in such a situation is unbearable for him.
I have tickets to see Harry Styles with a friend this fall, and I shouldn’t have to dread attending, fearing I might leave my son motherless due to a senseless act of violence. While the odds are that everything will go smoothly, and we’ll enjoy ourselves and return home safely, my worry and anger remain palpable.
Music venues are meant to be sanctuaries, places where people from all walks of life come together. Music has always been a refuge for me, especially during my teenage years. The thought that someone with malicious intent would invade a space meant for enjoyment is revolting. These were innocent people’s children, and the attacker knew that. Children should always be off-limits.
Yet amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. The stories emerging from Manchester are heartwarming; young women have united to support one another, demonstrating resilience during this challenging time. They are proving that love and light can triumph over darkness, making their families proud — and me too.
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In summary, the tragic event in Manchester resonates deeply, especially as a mother. It highlights the fears and vulnerabilities we face in today’s world, yet it also showcases the strength and solidarity of community in the face of adversity.