I don’t think there could be any person in America who doesn’t feel empathy for the people of Haiti after the aftermath of the devastating 7.0 earthquake.
However, considering some of the hatred and mean-spirited acts of many in this country, I’m probably wrong.
Over a week after the catastrophe, I still haven’t grown accustomed to seeing the horrific images; from the lifeless body of the school-aged girl buried from the waist down, to dead bodies being transported via forklift to a mass grave, to even a deceased woman who appeared to be in her 20s – lying face down with one arm reaching upward toward heaven as rigor mortis set in. While I struggle to deal with the images, I can’t help but think of my fellow journalists and relief workers who are in Haiti unable to ignore the undeniable smell of death or the desperate cries for aid and food.
The fact that Haiti was such a poverty-stricken nation before the earthquake makes this month’s incident seem that much more unfair. For generations, the Haitians have endured so much despair and adversity that it’s a bit overwhelming to even think about. If you need help putting things in perspective, imagine living on less than $2 a day for your entire family. That’s what most Haitians were living on prior to the Jan. 12 earthquake. Given the nation’s distressed state, $2 a day now seems like a fortune, as the natives currently have nothing at all.
During one of his many public statements on Haiti, President Barack Obama – in his deliberate and compassionate tone, summed things up by saying, “it is times like these that remind us of our common humanity.”
Talk about putting things in perspective.
As we go about our day-to-day activities, it’s so easy for us to forget the plight of others around the world – be it those experiencing constant maltreatment in the Congo, the women of Sudan who are forced to live subservient lives, or the residents of Afghanistan who while doing basic things like going to the grocery store or riding in a taxi realize that their life’s end may be dependant on whether or not someone feels like making a “religious” or political statement. We can become so engrossed in what we’re doing in our daily lives that we brush over the fact that despite all of the partisan rhetoric, economic challenges, and even health care debates – America is still home of the free. We are still incredibly blessed.
No matter how much success we may have or how far to the top we may climb, it’s imperative to always remember those less fortunate. It’s also a good reality check to also think of the less fortunate as we carry on our daily tasks.
I spoke to a woman who says she has really put things into proper perspective since Haiti’s devastation.
“I think of those in Haiti all the time – in everything that I do,” she reflectively told me. “When my menstrual cycle began yesterday I couldn’t help but think of the women in Haiti who are going through their cycle, but don’t have the sanitary supplies that I’m blessed to have.”
While her comment may have been a bit graphic for some, it’s a reality. Although life has changed the Haitians, in a weird sense of irony – life goes on. And so do menstrual cycles.
If there is any good thing that I can say came out of the devastation, it would have to be the commitment shown by people around the world. The response has been awesome and as the president said, we’re reminded of our common humanity.
I encourage you to do donate to the Haitian relief effort. You may do so by logging on to www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake. The Web site has a list of organizations your donation dollars can go towards.
