Haiti a reminder
Despite the constant media coverage we are still all worlds away from the horrific events that happened in Haiti.
It's probably safe to say that 90 per cent of the people reading this article cannot put themselves in the shoes of anyone that was just continuing on with their every day life in Haiti on January 12, when their world came crashing down around them. Their buildings were destroyed along with thousands of families torn apart. The people that are rescued aren't even able to get to a hospital, because there aren't any hospitals left standing.
Instead, bodies piled up in the streets and people who are severely injured are left to fend for their lives as supplies are low and riots are breaking out of frustration and fear. They have nothing and not enough resources are coming in to take care of them.
For us, this is what we see on the front page of newspapers, magazines or the television.
However, we can simply change the channel or flip to the funnies or something else. But Haitians can't change anything and have nothing to laugh at. This hell is every second of their lives and sadly this seems to be another chapter of tragedy in the story of Haiti. The country is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere according to the C.I.A. World Factbook. Eighty per cent of the population are estimated to be living under the poverty line. A nation crippled by corruption, Haiti now ranks 149 out of 182 on the United Nations Human Development Index.
So, what does the barrage of images illustrating the immense destruction and death mean to us as we sit comfortably, a world away? There is an ethical debate here, as people can argue that the images on the television are necessary to “raise awareness.” Firstly, I understand the intent, but if you haven't heard of what has happened in Haiti yet, then there are other problems that you clearly face. Secondly, these are probably the same people that started or joined the Facebook campaign “Everyone is Haitian.” On Sunday January 17, if you are a user of Facebook you were encouraged to change your status to “is Haitian.”
There is one immediate problem with the Facebook campaign that takes away any credibility of whatever its purpose was (I am sure there was a legitimate one). But the problem is, everyone is not Haitian. Everyone is not even 1/16 Haitian. Most of the world has it a lot better than Haiti. Even the country that shares the island with them, Dominican Republic, has it a lot better.
We who live in Southwestern Ontario may never have to witness our loved one's body being one of a dozen deceased being carried away in the back of a truck. But you get to watch their loved ones being carried away. As it runs by on the top story at 11 p.m., it doesn't even seem like the people in Haiti appear as human. They don't look human but they are. We are watching this on the TV or Youtube and before or after we watch the latest action murderfest, (Inglorious Bastards, Avatar, 2012, take your pick) where they aren't human, but look human.
2012 is a movie where the world is destroyed by a plague of natural disasters. The amount of media attention that movie got was probably the same as Myanmar after it was devastated by Cyclone Nargris. Too bad the amount of money wasted on the film wasn't just given to relief and aid.
At this point, that is what exactly needs to be done. We need to give money. That's what is being asked for. Reputable organizations, like the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF and World Vision have made it as easy as going online. You can also text HAITI to 45678 = $5 or HAITI to 90999 = $10. It's that easy.
Haven't we got it yet? The world spent the end of 2004 mourning the death of 230,000 people that fell victim to the Tsunami that hit India. Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, leaving an unprecedented $100 billion in damages. And the world wanted to help when Myanmar fell victim to Cyclone Nargris in 2008, but the political issues that blocked much aid from getting in made the situation even more tragic.
Give what you can to help those in Haiti. Whether you are giving $5 or $500, every bit counts. The only thing more I could ask of you is to go down there and to help out, but that's just not possible. I want you to remember that when you are taking in all this devastation and destruction realize the endless bodies shown over and over again are human. A week ago they breathed in oxygen just like you, they felt emotions just like you, and had family just like you. And now their families are ruined and their lives are ruined.
I'm not only asking you to sympathize for the poor people of Haiti. I'm asking you to realize the blessings of your own life.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
It's probably safe to say that 90 per cent of the people reading this article cannot put themselves in the shoes of anyone that was just continuing on with their every day life in Haiti on January 12, when their world came crashing down around them. Their buildings were destroyed along with thousands of families torn apart. The people that are rescued aren't even able to get to a hospital, because there aren't any hospitals left standing.
Instead, bodies piled up in the streets and people who are severely injured are left to fend for their lives as supplies are low and riots are breaking out of frustration and fear. They have nothing and not enough resources are coming in to take care of them.
For us, this is what we see on the front page of newspapers, magazines or the television.
However, we can simply change the channel or flip to the funnies or something else. But Haitians can't change anything and have nothing to laugh at. This hell is every second of their lives and sadly this seems to be another chapter of tragedy in the story of Haiti. The country is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere according to the C.I.A. World Factbook. Eighty per cent of the population are estimated to be living under the poverty line. A nation crippled by corruption, Haiti now ranks 149 out of 182 on the United Nations Human Development Index.
So, what does the barrage of images illustrating the immense destruction and death mean to us as we sit comfortably, a world away? There is an ethical debate here, as people can argue that the images on the television are necessary to “raise awareness.” Firstly, I understand the intent, but if you haven't heard of what has happened in Haiti yet, then there are other problems that you clearly face. Secondly, these are probably the same people that started or joined the Facebook campaign “Everyone is Haitian.” On Sunday January 17, if you are a user of Facebook you were encouraged to change your status to “is Haitian.”
There is one immediate problem with the Facebook campaign that takes away any credibility of whatever its purpose was (I am sure there was a legitimate one). But the problem is, everyone is not Haitian. Everyone is not even 1/16 Haitian. Most of the world has it a lot better than Haiti. Even the country that shares the island with them, Dominican Republic, has it a lot better.
We who live in Southwestern Ontario may never have to witness our loved one's body being one of a dozen deceased being carried away in the back of a truck. But you get to watch their loved ones being carried away. As it runs by on the top story at 11 p.m., it doesn't even seem like the people in Haiti appear as human. They don't look human but they are. We are watching this on the TV or Youtube and before or after we watch the latest action murderfest, (Inglorious Bastards, Avatar, 2012, take your pick) where they aren't human, but look human.
2012 is a movie where the world is destroyed by a plague of natural disasters. The amount of media attention that movie got was probably the same as Myanmar after it was devastated by Cyclone Nargris. Too bad the amount of money wasted on the film wasn't just given to relief and aid.
At this point, that is what exactly needs to be done. We need to give money. That's what is being asked for. Reputable organizations, like the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF and World Vision have made it as easy as going online. You can also text HAITI to 45678 = $5 or HAITI to 90999 = $10. It's that easy.
Haven't we got it yet? The world spent the end of 2004 mourning the death of 230,000 people that fell victim to the Tsunami that hit India. Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, leaving an unprecedented $100 billion in damages. And the world wanted to help when Myanmar fell victim to Cyclone Nargris in 2008, but the political issues that blocked much aid from getting in made the situation even more tragic.
Give what you can to help those in Haiti. Whether you are giving $5 or $500, every bit counts. The only thing more I could ask of you is to go down there and to help out, but that's just not possible. I want you to remember that when you are taking in all this devastation and destruction realize the endless bodies shown over and over again are human. A week ago they breathed in oxygen just like you, they felt emotions just like you, and had family just like you. And now their families are ruined and their lives are ruined.
I'm not only asking you to sympathize for the poor people of Haiti. I'm asking you to realize the blessings of your own life.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
