Though one might think that most opinions on genocide are similar, there are actually definite polarized sides on the issue. I have experienced these polarized sides first hand, with opinions of other classmates. The major issue between intervention and non-intervention sides is that each side has difficultly understanding the other side's opinion. As a firm believer in intervention, I am astounded by opinions of non-intervention. I am incapable of understanding why economic recession and wars over oil should keep us from stopping blatant human rights violations and the murder of hundreds of thousands based on ethnicity. I don’t understand how some believe it is ok to allow genocide to occur, that absolutely no aid should be contributed to helping the millions affected by the violence in Darfur. Obviously, non-interventionists don’t understand my opinion either. Interventionists and non-interventionists both agree that yes, genocide is terrible. But they disagree on what should be done. Interventionists believe it is our responsibility to protect victims of human rights violations, no matter the cost. Why shouldn’t we get involved, if an email or a donation of five dollars could make a difference? Non-interventionists believe that it is not one countries job to interfere in the conflicts of another country. Issues of state sovereignty, money, previous involvement in other conflicts and wars, all prevent non-interventionists believe we should not intervene to stop genocide. In order to make a difference, and to end the current genocides, and prevent future conflicts, these polarized sides must come to agree on some points. They must agree that ending genocide is more important that worries over money, or that we are involved in other conflicts. Both sides must understand that the smallest amounts of aid, such as a donation of five dollars, or an email, could make a huge difference. If everyone donated five dollars, think of the difference we could make.
I agree that in this situation non-interventionists and interventionists cannot see eye-to-eye. This seems to be the issue in nearly every political debate. Although these issues are not happening in our country I agree that we need to do something about unnecessary human slaughter. Like you said, a mere $5 dollars can alter everything over there.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your points. There is no reason that a country as powerful and influential as ours should stand back and watch citizens of countries suffer because of their ethnicity. I am interested though in how a mere $5 or even an email can help someone out. I find it very intriguing that such a small amount of effort can go such a long way in hopefully putting and end to genocide.
ReplyDeleteWow! I really really liked your post because it make such a complicated issue less complex. I agree that we should be intervening in some way because it just isn't right to watch violence and not do anything about it! An organization that my mom and I support is called ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) has been working in Africa to stop the genocide. Their website is pretty interesting if you want to look at it: http://alarm-inc.org/ But great job!
ReplyDeleteThere are SO many different ways, that we can make a difference. 5 dollars can provide women of Darfur with firewood, which can greatly help with their safety. When women are looking to provide their family with supplies is often when they are at a great risk for attack or rape by the Janjaweed. In Burma, I believe it was around $13, that could provide a villager with a radio, which would warn them of upcoming attacks made by the militia. Sending an email to the president or other government leaders is also quite helpful, if a ton of people send one, it is more likely we will get the government to take action. Even the smallest contributions can make a huge difference.
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