Learn Something
I have been doing research for a couple of papers and part of my focus is on Rwanda, specifically the genocide in 1994. If you're not familiar with it, a good research start point is: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ghosts/
The interviews are amazing, as are some of the people.
Anyway, I have seen the film Ghosts of Rwanda four times now. And each time I just wonder what I am supposed to do with this incredible knowledge and awareness. I mean, what good is this awareness if I do absolutely nothing? And it is particularly important because right now, at this very moment, a very similar situation is occuring in Sudan. If you're not familiar with this, a good research start point is: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101041004/photoessay/
So, one cannot say that there is nothing to worry about. That there is peace in the world. So, what do we do? Personally, I would like to go to Sudan to try to do something. But is this realistic? Pathetically, I, we can sit here and talk about it while hundreds die. I can wonder if it is a good idea to go there and try to do something. Is my desire to go there selfish? Am I just trying to appease my conscience, knowing full well that more likely than not, my presence in Sudan will do little, if any good. But maybe, just maybe, I can make a difference. I don't know how, but just maybe I can be the positive influence in a small part of this world.
posted by Writerben @ 1:32 AM
1 Comments:
You know, it's interesting that this is a comment that has been made to me by several people. And I think that my only possible response is that I have done many things in the volunteer and non-profit arenas here in America. And the truth of the matter is that they are incredibly restricted by so many things.
I can't even say how many times I have worked on something or began a venture and was turned away for some of the most absurd reasons.
And while I am not so naive as to think that those obstacles do not exist in other countries, I guess I feel like I could do my greatest good somewhere else.
And this is not to say that I will stop trying to do something here in America, but we are incredibly fortunate, while so many others are so far behind us. I think it is our duty, as those more fortunate and capable, to help those who are not so fortunate or capable.
And as a challenge to the five people who read this: I have heard all of this talk of need here in America, and yet the great majority of people are not in need and still do nothing. So many of these other places are places where the majority is the group in need. So I recognize the need here and will continue to aid here. But here and now, I feel I can serve the greatest good elsewhere.
Post a Comment
<< Home