How Serious is Serious?

   This week the Travel Alert Authority put out a message to American travellers abroad in Europe, specifically England, France and Germany, the message was, "Try not to look like an American." Well if that isn't a stereotype, I don't know what is. Not only are we being extra cautious about where we are going, we now how to change are image? And what categorizes you or "us" as Americans?
   So how are we supposed to look? Talk different, dress different, walk different? And how serious is this threat? There are gunman lining the streets of Paris and now the main focus has switched to Germany. It is very hard, in my opinion to follow the news and know what is true or not, what do you think?

Armed guardmen protecting the Eiffel Tower

Officials have been claiming that this is the most serious talk they have picked up on since before 9/11. Also, that they are assuming that these attacks are going to be similar to the Mumbai attacks. During the 2008 Mumbai attacks terrorists opened fire and killed a total of 174 hostages. Officials are encouraging Americans to stay away from tour like areas, such as the London Bridge, London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Also, last week in Paris, France the Eiffel Tower was evacuated twice due to suspicion of terrorist threats. Obviously the Eiffel Tower is a huge tourist attraction for everyone which is just another reason to be paranoid and on guard.  
   Another concern is how this is going to effect travel. WHO CARES?! Airlines are supposedly paying off news station to shift their angle of the story to not take money away from them. Ridiculous. Our lives could potentially be in danger but let's sugar coat it because of money!?!? What do you think about this rumour?
   So the question remains, how serious is serious? Should we board up our windows and doors and not leave the house? Should we continue to live like it is no big deal and we will be fine? Or should we try and find a happy medium? In conclusion, I feel like this is a serious matter and should be brought up constantly so that people do not forget and continue to be alert and cautious, no matter what Nationality they are.

Does this issue effect you?