"[City Name] Strong" Slogans after tragedies. Do they really mean anything?

On July 16, 2015, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez opened fire on two military installations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Four Marines died on the spot. A Navy sailor, a Marine recruiter, and a police officer were wounded; the sailor died from his injuries two days later.

In the days after, there was a predictable and reassuring outpouring of support for the victims and their families. It was great to see everyone come together as a community. What happened next was also predictable; a slogan began circulating online and around town that appeared to convey a message of strength.

Chattanooga strong (or "nooga strong") could be seen on hashtags, t-shirts and bumper stickers. It signified the resilience of the local populace. In the face of terror, they were unwavering. But "they" was me. I was actually one of the strong ones, one of the resilient Chattanoogans, or so I was told. I couldn't help but wonder how that was the case though. In what way had I exhibited strength? I hadn't helped or saved anyone, I wasn't even in a position to. I very well could have remarkable fortitude and inner strength, but I'm not sure how it was exhibited here.

Bad things happen in this world but life goes on. People the world over understand this. In fact, it's a part of being human. I wouldn't say it's a sign of strength as much as it's a sign of acceptance, a sign of a general understanding of life.

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Boston Strong shows "strength in your community; complete strangers supporting one another in a time of need," said a longtime Greater Lawrence Technical School teacher.

Despite the haunting memories and the strict security, spectators swelled against the barricades along the race route once more in 2014, coming out in droves to cheer on the runners and show, decisively, that Boston's spirit would not be dimmed.

“It was a really special time to return and not back down, because you can't, you can't let them win,” said Pennington.

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Maybe it shows strength. Or maybe they're just humans doing what humans have always done - go on with life. I don't think patting ourselves on the back and telling everyone how strong we are is honoring to the victims. In fact, it seems more like an attempt to use these tragic events to honor ourselves, and also do a little marketing.