Humanity Lost?
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has made me wonder. Why did some people react with looting, violence, and even murder? Yes, it is a terrible, terrible situation and the government's handeling of it is both horrifying and disgraceful. However, while countries around the world have shown great understanding of the difficulties of coming to the aid of the thousands of people, who have been stricken by Katrina, and even offered financial as well as practical help, those same countries have also looked on with shock and - though noone dares to say so - disgust.
All levels of government and FEMA may be blamed for not doing everything in their power to prepare for this disaster, which apparently many knew would come. And the police should have stepped in when the looting and violence began. But what about the people?
Are Americans more prone to violence than e.g. the people in Indonesia and Thailand - locals and tourists alike - who largely came together when all was lost on Boxing Day 2004? Would the rich, who escaped New Orleans in their SUVs, have scrambled to get their share of weapons? Or do desparate situations simply force desparate actions? Hard questions to answer, all I know is that what has happened is unacceptable.
Are we not all responsible for our own behaviour? Even in extreme situations where our own lives may be at stake, should we not still recognize our duty - perhaps even our right - to remain dignified human beings? Does force majeure mean that we can throw aside everything that makes us civilized and completely disregard our social responsibilities and fellow human beings? I should think not!
It is "easy" to sit in judgement of those whose situation is as desparate as it is in the aftermath of Katrina. But although we may not be able to withstand nature, we cannot let nature become an excuse to forget our humanity.
Show your humanity and compassion by giving a donation to American Red Cross or one of the many other organizations determined to help. Thank you!
All levels of government and FEMA may be blamed for not doing everything in their power to prepare for this disaster, which apparently many knew would come. And the police should have stepped in when the looting and violence began. But what about the people?
Are Americans more prone to violence than e.g. the people in Indonesia and Thailand - locals and tourists alike - who largely came together when all was lost on Boxing Day 2004? Would the rich, who escaped New Orleans in their SUVs, have scrambled to get their share of weapons? Or do desparate situations simply force desparate actions? Hard questions to answer, all I know is that what has happened is unacceptable.
Are we not all responsible for our own behaviour? Even in extreme situations where our own lives may be at stake, should we not still recognize our duty - perhaps even our right - to remain dignified human beings? Does force majeure mean that we can throw aside everything that makes us civilized and completely disregard our social responsibilities and fellow human beings? I should think not!
It is "easy" to sit in judgement of those whose situation is as desparate as it is in the aftermath of Katrina. But although we may not be able to withstand nature, we cannot let nature become an excuse to forget our humanity.
Show your humanity and compassion by giving a donation to American Red Cross or one of the many other organizations determined to help. Thank you!
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home