The Morning After
The fire from downtown Vancouver as seen from my back deck @ 8:45 pm.
Last night, like thousands of other British Columbians (and Canadians), I was tuned to my TV watching the Canucks play the Boston Bruins for the Stanley Cup. Like many others, I was saddened by the loss but can easily admit that despite the fact that the Canucks worked extremely hard, they were beaten by the better team. Tim Thomas (goalie for the Bruins) played extremely well and out-performed Roberto Luongo.
Unfortunately, I am even more embarrassed and saddened and angry by what happened afterward. It makes me rage to think of those idiots who decided to start destroying and rioting after the game. But what boggles my mind are the people who stuck around downtown rejoicing in the destruction. What goes through that person's mind? Why stick around somewhere when the chances of getting hurt or arrested is high?
Not surprisingly, the majority of rioters were young men. And in the age of smart phones and social media, don't these dickheads realize that their faces will be plastered all over the internet, newspapers, and TV? I sincerely hope that the people that caused destruction suffer the consequences. I hope they get arrested or the very least are reprimanded by their families and friends.
Moreover, as I perused the internet today and read some comments, I'm angered by the fact that some people are generalizing this violence as "being Canadians." That they're implying that as Canadians we are so obsessed about hockey that we would riot after a loss. This is simply not true. I partly blame the international media for this. I understand that sensational stories sell, but as a news medium, they should be more responsible and avoid mass generalization. If people pay more attention to the pictures and footage, they'll see that some of these rioters are actually professional Anarchists - as represented by the face mask, hoodies, and backpacks that they wear. It's simply not fair to imply that ALL Vancouverites and ALL Canadians are crazy, violent hockey fans. In fact, there are many local residents that have volunteered and are currently helping to clean up the aftermath of last night's acts of terrorism. My little sister is actually down there helping out. (I would too if I didn't have to be at work).
As a Vancouverite, I'm proud and love my city. It pains me to see people destroy it - be it physically or verbally.
Please non-Canadians don't let what you saw last night tarnish your impression of Vancouver and of Canada in general. Vancouver is still a great and friendly city to visit. It's beautiful and clean and safe.
It's not cool to riot.
p.s. I was 16 when the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup to the NY Rangers. I remember the riots that followed afterward. I'm saddened and disappointed to see it happen all over again but on a larger and much worse case. Once again, the many fans and Vancouverites will have to pick ourselves up and care for, clean and protect our city once again.