NO to these kinds of images!! |
I'm
not really sure how I feel about all these images I'm seeing of Afghans
and Iraqis (and others who themselves are victims of American terrorism
and/or American policies abroad) holding signs of "To Boston, from
Afghanistan" or "To Boston, from Iraq." Not only because most Americans
have absolutely NO idea what these people themselves suffer from--and
most don't even seem to care or want to find
out--but also because it's another pitiful way of privileging America
and everything Americans, including its victims. I understand that death
is always politicized, but that is so unfair. And, so, all you folks
sharing pics of Afghan victims with signs like "From Kabul to Boston
with Love," posters held by little smiling children or burqa-clad women,
STOP IT, DAMNIT!! Those people holding those signs probably have no
idea what the signs read in the first place. What's the message there?
"We're sorry for Boston"? I'm terribly sorry for Boston. My heart goes
out to any and all people who were emotionally, physically,
psychologically, or otherwise affected by the bombing in Boston--but I
feel this and so much more also for the thousands of people killed
monthly throughout much of the world outside America, people whose
murder (or victimhood) does nothing to us outside of their small towns
or countries or regions. We should stand up for justice no matter where
and for whom. Let's be fair and treat all of them equally; no, we're no
more important as Americans than the thousands and millions being killed
(most because of our own political games on their lands!), so, no, our
loss isn't more important. Live with it. While these images may be perceived as a moment of compassion and humanity from
non-American victims, sort of saying, "Hey, we're in this boat of
victims of bombing/terrorism together! We're with you!" and maybe also intended to make Americans be ashamed of themselves for not giving a damn about other people's lives and sufferings, I strongly
believe this is just done to privilege Americans and American life. I
highly, highly doubt most people who view these images are going to feel
any shame at all; to them, it's going to be more like, "Ohhh, we're so
important, and everyone knows it. We deserve so much sympathy, and good
to see we're getting that from ALL OVER THE WORLD." That's so how it
seems to me...
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