Apathy towards global justice
What a common sickness. It was so hypocritical of a hardcore Protestant Armenian friend of mine who spoke of the ‘need’ to show forgiveness towards the Israeli state for the torture they have been putting the Palestinians through since decades and then showing anger at Turkish politicians for not recognizing the Armenian Genocide (which does not mean the government does not acknowledge the massacre, but only does not classify it as a genocide and this took place in the past whereas the atrocities committed by the Israeli government is still continuing). It is his right to speak for the Armenian people and ask for the genocide to be recognized. That is not the issue. The issue is that he only spoke of ‘forgiveness’ towards the Israeli government because he does not care about what he is not a part of (i.e. Palestinians), or what he is not going through.
Few weeks back, one of my teachers said she is not concerned about what the US government is up to in other countries because they haven’t ‘harmed’ her and she feels secure by choosing their side. What the hell. Funnily, this was coming from a white woman who fought against the apartheid in South Africa back in the days.
Does the mere fact that I am not African enough excuse for me not to support equal rights for whites & blacks? Do I not care about starving people around the World because I am able to fill my stomach with enough food everyday? Do I show no sympathy towards people stuck in the midst of war, hearing the sound of dropping bombs, waiting to hear who was the last innocent victim, at times witnessing the death of their parents, their child?
Not going through the difficulties countless less fortunate people are going through around the World should only make us realise the blessings & opportunities we have, motivate us to raise awareness of what is happening around the globe, to show the difference between oppressed and oppressor, terrorist and the victim of terror, and if possible to make a positive contribution. Even helping one person is a positive contribution & certainly better than nothing.
Standing on separate soil does not make others any less of a human. The will to reach out our hands to help other humans should only be a natural instinct, the result of a living heart.
