Yesterday, I gave a brief history introduction to the Rwandan genocide, you watched a behind the scenes documentary featuring Paul Rusesabagina, and you watched the first third of the Hotel Rwanda. Based on the history lesson, the documentary, and the movie you have a pretty clear idea that this tragedy was basically ignored by the rest of the world. The UN was only able to do so much. The US had trouble clarifying if genocide like behavior was to be considered a genocide. Nearly 1 million Rwandans were murdered and it was barely a blip on the radar of the world.
The photographer in the movie makes a statement in reference to what is happening in Rwanda and the footage that he took that day, "If people see this they’ll say ‘Oh my God. That’s horrible,' Then they'll go on eating their dinners.” Is this an accurate statement in terms of how people today react to current atrocities? Why? Why not?
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I plan on using this with my classes, parents, friends, colleagues, etc., so that we might continue conversations about what we do, read, write, and think about in class. Thinking doesn't just happen in the classroom; it happens every where. So many times in the evenings I think about what I should have said, might have said, or think of a whole new idea and I want to share it with you. This is a way for us to continue thinking and doing. I hope that you are an active participant. I also wanted to state, this site isn't just for students. Our learning community expands far past just students and teachers. Parents, friends, co-workers, and community members are all part of our learning community.
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9 comments:
Yes, I think the photographer's comment was accurate. And while such a statement might at first sound cynical, isn't it actually just realistic? This is not to say that people - Americans - do not truly care and that our "oh, that's terrible" sentiments are more lip service than actual remorse for the given atrocity. I think sometimes when we feel helpless to do anything about a particular situation, we move on with life, because what else can we do? Last night, I was watching national news coverage of the Omaha mall shooting, including coverage of a remembrance service for the victims. When the reporter talked to a lady shopping at another local mall, only the day after the tragedy, her response to his question about her being there was, "life goes on, doesn't it?". I think we should all do what we can to make the world a better place, but maybe sometimes all we can realistically do is be good people ourselves.
Heather,
Thank you for posting to our class blog. I think it is important for the students to see the ideas and writing of adults other than their teachers and parents. Thanks for taking the time to reflect and post.
When I was writing the original post all I could think about was when Desert Storm was going on, how it appeared to be like a video game and not "real." Granted I was in Junior High School, but as an adult, I reflect back on that moment and realize that reality doesn't seem real unless it is right under your nose and you can smell it and touch it.
I think that is why Katrina and 9.11 affected us so personally on an idividual level as well as a nation. The nation felt those moments, touched those moments, watched those moments. The reality of the destruction was right under our noses. It was at that moment that individuals, communities, states, a nation, etc began to fall into action. Donations of time and money, prayer, bringing forth awareness, education, policy, etc., these were the actions of the people. Small, but significant if outcomes and overall effects.
I agree with you that in order to make the world a better place is to be good people ourselves and then pay it forward. I tell the kids they have to lead by example. Being the best person that you can possibly be is the first step to leading by example.
Thanks again, Heather.
Heather McChesney
particularly do anything about i to help they would like to but cant then theres some that actually take action and start doing something to help. so to an extint yes some people are like that but on the other hand if your not the goverment or your not willing to get in front of the government you really cant do anything unless you take matters in yor own hands.i dont agree with not trying to help i would try help all i can because we shouldnt be letting that happen just because its not our country
Sharisa,
I understand where you are coming from. Particularly in a matter that large. If the government doesn't lead and take the initiative then what really can the individual do?
I'll tell you...educate yourself and those around you, just like you are doing in class. The more information you have about a particular matter, the better informed you are, therefore, the better decisions and actions you can make. It can be as small as not branding people with a particular title that feeds into the stereotype. The individual people are the ones who have to take the stance and say, "Ok, this is NOT ok in my book." Do you understand where I am coming from?
Thanks for posting.
Chez
I believe the photographer's comment was accurate. People in America do not care for things like this unless it is happening in their own home or ocuntry for that matter. People are completly self obsored with themselves, and need to be taught to give back to people. Everyone can do something, it's just the matter of getting the strength and dropping your pride and actually doing something.
-People are ridiculous
Yes, I do think that the photographer's comment accurate. One reason mainly is becuase thats how a lot of people are today. Those people will simlpy look at a problem and thats it. But then as soon as something horrible happens to them then they want everyone to fill sorry for them. Then they wonder why do bad things happen to them. It called Karma what goes around comes around.But a way to help is when you see something bad try to that and make something good out of it and help save others. Maybe if you help someone then they will another ,and before you know we all will be helping each other.
Ok, so I'm hearing a lot about how WE should help people, especially people who have no control over their situations. Here is the question that I pose to you...how do we go about that? I agree. I think we are all responsible for one another, in the sense that we need to do our best to insure that we do the best that we can when we can. How do we go about a global change. I think it is possible, but where do we start? Suggestions? Let's brainstorm.
No I do not think this is an accurate statement, the fact remains that millions of people are willing to help all of the time, and though alot of us turn our heads it's only because of lack of publicity, or problems in our own every day life. I believe people are always willing to help others.
Sherry,
Thank you for posting.
I think you are right. The busy ins and outs of our everyday lives keep us from helping at times. It isn't the lack of wanting to help. It is the prioritizing of our lives.
Heather McChesney
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