The bombing in Manchester has brought national trauma. We must not lash out | Jonathan Romain

There's a temptation to react to the Manchester attacks with calls for vengeance. Here are some better alternatives

The Manchester bomber was not just trying to kill those at the pop concert, but he was also targeting you and me. He wanted to make us nervous about going to a shopping centre today or attending events such the FA Cup at Wembley this Saturday. His weapon of choice was the emotional responses that we carry within us and which he was trying to trigger.

Emotions such as horror: at the lives snuffed out, the injuries sustained, the families devastated. Or fear: that on another occasion it might be us who is involved and who is carried away in bodybags. Or anger: that a person could do such a thing and be "inspired" by a political or religious ideology.

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