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The Polar Opposite Reactions to the Queen’s Passing
I shouldn’t be surprised, yet I am
It’s almost impossible to go online and not see some news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She reigned for 70 years, an impressive feat and a fulfillment of a promise she made on her 21st birthday:
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” — Her Majesty The Queen
Some would say she served her role admirably. Others would say the monarchy is a representation of colonization and profit from slavery. In another lifetime, negative opinions would be spoken but only heard by few. Today, a single opinion can reach millions in a heartbeat.
Within moments of her passing, memes popped up on my feed. These memes were funny, yes, but also a bit shocking in their celebratory nature.
Contrasting those were images of people in deep mourning. They haven’t known a life without the Queen in it and now their foundations are being shaken.
People’s feelings are their own. Nobody has the right to tell someone how to feel about anything. But we can be gentle with each other.
Memes will be made. People will celebrate the Queen’s passing. People will also need some time to process the depths of their grief. Perhaps ridiculing one group over another is something we can avoid.
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