Topic and Main Idea

Topic - The attack in Paris verses the attack in Kenya

Finding Out About Older Attacks For First Time - "The old article was the first time many people had herd about the Kenya attack."

Different Victims Spark Our Different Reactions - "Many people feel that we react to terrible events differently depending on whom the victims are. Some deaths seem to matter more to us then others."

Caring Ties To Out Feelings Of Closeness - "People are more likely to care when terrible things happen to people and places to which they feel close."

Americans Hold Paris Dear - " It is that closeness to Paris that made so many Americans express their sadness and shock on Facebook and Twitter. It was almost as if a friend had died."

Author's POV + Purpose

1. The author's point of view is that Americans doesn't care what happened in Kenya, they only care about what happened in Paris. One example is that the author says that "Yet back in April There was almost nothing about it on Facebook and Twitter. There was no outpouring of sadness and support, as there was for Paris." Also the author says that "Many people feel that we react to terrible events differently depending on whom the victims are.". Finally the authors says " People posted old photos of themselves in front of the Eiffel Tower. Others said they were praying for Paris.".
2. I agree with the author's point of view because it's true. Only if it affects us then we care. Also if everyone especially on social media is talking about it, then that when it's a huge deal.
3. The author's purpose is to persuade the reader that people only care about what affects them anything else. For example the author says that " Many people feel that we react to terrible events differently depending on whom the victims are. Some deaths seem to matter more to us then others.".