What I have learned so far...

A question keeps lingering in my head. 'How can a person do this?' How can they do this as human beings?' Whenever I heard news of genocide or war, I used to cursorily think 'they must be fighting for power or survival.' The thorough studies of African countries, however left me puzzled with factual, but not understandable answer. They simply fight with no particular reasons. Whatever the whole intention of the fight is, people seem to enjoy every moment they fight and present instability. I recall, how RUF soldiers in 'a long way gone' boasted their numbers of killing, and tried to devise new ways to result 'zero' survivors. They were not merely happy for the victory of a group they belong to, but for their cruel violence. What turned them into merciless monsters? What made Hutus in Rwanda to kill, even violating the sacred places? I can only assume that they change because of their 'environment'. Even though, the boy soldiers in Sierra Leone resisted to 'accept' violence at first, after a while they adjust in their new treacherous ambiance to survive. We, as human beings are capable of miraculously adapting to new surroundings. In many times, this ability is advantageous, but for certain times, it could be detrimental.

I fear. As I study more and more concerning conflicts around the world, especially in Africa, fear slaps me on my face. I do not mean to write about cliches, but I am truly privileged. Never in my life, I have never worried about tomorrow, wondering what I am supposed to do, where I am supposed to go to find food. I have never been thirsty enough to drink my own urine. While I am think about what I want to get for birthday or Christmas present, there are people dying from thirst, hunger and abhorrent violence. My awareness burdens with obligations; I feel like I have to do something. I was surprised to see how the donations and supplies for the refugees were used wrongly. Unless, I bring the supplies by myself, I cannot ensure if my help would reach hands of those who are truly in need of it. Besides, appallingly, the sufferings of those who are half way around the world do not occupy my thoughts at all times. It is all just moments. We turn on the TV to sympathize with those who are in pain, but by the time we eat dinner, we are more concerned with our problems. Indifference is more frightening than ignorance. We do not help, not because of incapability, but because of apathy. I fear that someday we will be paying the price for our cold indifference. I fear that our indiffernce breeds more and more violence. The violence evil enough to plunge the entire humanity to abysmal misery.