In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks in Brussels that killed dozens of people, social networks have been awash with powerful memes and images paying tribute to the victims and expressing support for the traumatized city. Often using the #JeSuisBruxelles hashtag to show solidarity with those who died in the Belgian capital, many of the most popular social media posts made reference to the lowland country's tricolor flag of black, yellow, and red. Many memes also referred to cultural icons such as Tintin, the cartoon character created by the Belgian cartoonist Herge, and the Brussels' landmark sculpture Manneken Pis. Here's a selection of some of the most poignant tributes.
#JeSuisBruxelles -- Powerful Social Media Memes Express Support For Victims Of Terrorist Attacks In Belgian Capital
One of the most widely shared memes came from Le Monde cartoonist Plantu, who conflated today's events in Brussels with the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris last November that killed 130 people. (Social-media generated content -- @lemondefr)
A cartoon showing a grieving Manneken Pis (Social-media generated content, via @hervebaudry)
Another popular cartoon. Translation of the French text: Terrorism Strikes Again -- "Could you make a little room for me?!" (Social-media generated content, via @dilemofficiel)
Another cartoon referencing Manneken Pis (Social-media generated content, via @MazelGalerie)
This cartoon showing Tintin and his dog Snowy in tears was also widely shared on social networks. Translation of French text: Belgium weeps for its children. (Social-media generated content, via @BernardMnich)
This cartoon used the Belgian flag as well as traditional Belgian "pommes frites" to make its point. (Social-media generated content, via @ilovebelgium)
Another meme that made use of Belgium's national colors (Social-media generated content, via the #JeSuisBruxelles hashtag on Twitter)
(Social-media generated content, via @LatuffCartoons)
Another image referencing "pommes frites" and the Je Suis Bruxelles ("I am Brussels") meme. (Social-media generated content. This cartoon by Marec in Het Nieuwsblad.)