I would get my hand on my mouse right now if I were you and get your cursor poised over the little red X in the corner because I have something to say.
Prepare for the worse.
Ignorance is okay in small doses. It's understandable but when it's mixed with arrogance that is a more toxic situation.
America, specifically the USA, wake up a little, would you please?
Will you please come to see that you are not the only country on earth? Please?
I am one of you. I have lived here almost all of my life. I was born here. I am an American. But I still have something to say.
Do you know that there are other countries? Do you ever think about the "death tolls" that other countries live with as a way of life?
Do you remember the 2004 Tsunami that killed 283,000 people?
Can you really understand a number that large?
Did you know that 2 and 1/2 million people died in a flood in China back in the 1930's?
Another 2 and 1/2 million died of starvation in the Congo in 2001 but that's not the total number. It's been 4 million over a 10 year time span all due to a war there.
Did you know that 300,000 people died in a cyclone in India?
Have you forgotten that 222,000 people died in Haiti in 2010?
Lower that number down to 22,000 and it's still huge.
Lower it again to 2,200 and it's still a large amount of people.
Here comes the hurtful part. Is your hand ready? Cursor right over that red X?
The Joplin, Missouri death toll is at 139 people as of today.
I know it's tragic. I can't help but see that. But I also can't forget the truly gigantic tragedies that have occurred in other places....those places outside of the USA.
I would not want my loved ones killed by a tornado in any country. Truly. But I would also not want my loved ones to be killed by floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc. I know it's sad. I do understand that people have lost their lives and their houses, their photos, their pets, their churches.
I have no wish to diminish those losses. While acknowledging those losses, which are very tragic, I have not lost site that there are other losses happening everyday.
I have no wish to diminish those losses. While acknowledging those losses, which are very tragic, I have not lost site that there are other losses happening everyday.
5 comments:
I didn't click the little red X in the corner and I truly beleive we Americans have forgotten that we are not the only country. I don't even know how many died in the quake at Japan.
Thank you for the reminder
Thank you Regina.
I am stepping out there with these thoughts but I don't do it to bring pain.
I think that Japan had 18,000 deaths between the earthquake and the tsunami.
They now have 500,000 people who are homeless.
Thanks so much,
Clevsea
The magnitude of loss is almost overwhelming. I have also noticed when there are plane crashes or bombings and such overseas, they like to tell us how many Americans died. If there are none, people let it go. If there are even two the media goes crazy as though the fact that Americans died makes it so much more tragic and newsworthy!
I appreciate you taking the time to knock us off our pedestal once in a while! We need it.
Thank you Patricia.
I've noticed that too. The media act as if we won't be interested unless Americans are in some way involved.
I think it's a good thing that Americans celebrate being American, and have a concern for their fellow countryfolk. But I also think it's true what you are saying here, that there is wisdom in holding a greater perspective, and comfort too - each person may feel deeply alone in some moments of sorrow, but can be steadied by remembering that so many others all around the world have passed through deep traumas with dignity, courage and faith. x
Post a Comment