Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Genocides - The Ongoing Bystander Effect

Through the discussions that took place in class, the idea that students, myself included, believe genocide will inevitably occur again was made clear. Upon doing research, I discovered an appalling number of places with supposedly on the verge of or with ongoing genocides, as well as plenty of others who fall into one of the 7 steps towards genocide, according to a report. The reason why this was so shocking to me was because these events, despite being mass murders, are unmentioned and  vaguely known events with little to no media attention, causing the great majority of the Earth's population to be unaware of this. Also based on the thoughts shared in class, most students state that they, if genocide "were to happen again" would attempt to do something about it, such as donate to an organization; however, being now aware that genocides have never ceased to happen, I realize that we are not doing anything about it, like we love to tell ourselves we would. More extreme measures, of course, could be (somewhat hypothetically) taken by us, such as hopping on a plane and attempting to stop the genocide in a more direct and extremist way - a neither clever nor effective idea.

Ongoing Genocide in Darfur
Upon doing research on the topic, I came across a blog dedicated to spreading awareness about current genocides, as well as some attempts to take action against them.Throughout numerous conversations about our life goals, I am aware that many people in my class one day wish to be able to dedicate themselves to a cause, focusing on giving back to others or offer assistance. When questioned about this topic in class though, we are not willing to leave everything - family, comfort, friends, education - behind for the sake of other people. I feel hypocritical saying that I will take an action, even if it small, because I know that I most likely won't. Apart from what it may seem, I am not trying to convey the idea that I am a bad person that does not wish to end genocide, but more to the side of "I don't believe anything I do will be able to change such a dramatic and massive situation." Despite sounding like an excuse, I honestly do not understand what signing a "pledge against genocide" will actually do. Once again, as I was pondering on this subject, I came across a quote from the blog mentioned earlier,

"Genocides progress when people who know it is happening don't speak up. Spreading the word about current genocides that are occurring can help make these crimes know. Then, pressure can be put on politicians and governments to intervene and stop these unnecessary murders."
- Anonymous 

Once again, I must say that, despite understanding the point of small actions such as pledges and how they could have a further and more meaningful impact, I also think that is very unrealistic and not effective. Then again, it is not an excuse to complain about what others are trying to do and not attempt to take any actions at all myself. The bystander effect will continue to exist eternally in both small and large scale problems; humanity will never be able to be 100% altruistic, for we will always have to take ourselves and our well being in consideration. Despite feeling (but not necessarily being) powerless about the subject of taking action against genocide, I do wish to be able to, some da,  gain influence and power, in order to effectively make a difference in such drastic events that require more attention.