I read a news article today about the Ivory Coast – follow this link:
This article discusses the fact that, with all the international drama going on – earthquake and potential nuclear meltdown in Japan, violence and unrest in Libya – the civil unrest in the Ivory Coast risks being forgotten by the international community. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are fleeing the country and need aid, but demand is not being met.
Thinking about this makes me reflect on the fickleness of the international community and the general public. We will band together to raise tons of money for disaster relief, but cannot do the same for malaria control or hunger relief at a significant scale.
It seems that problems have to be immediate, solve-able, and uncontroversial to get the public’s attention and help. Other problems that are too complex or intimidating are brushed aside; problems like the conflict in the Congo, HIV/AIDS, and climate change.
For progress to occur, something needs to change.
Congratulations on your thought-provoking blog
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Mom
It is quite unfortunate that whatever is new and exciting seems to receive the most attention and charity. I was listening to a very insightful presentation not too long ago that had a very good message: If you want to help with a crisis through donations or buying supplies, find the organization that was there BEFORE the crisis, and contribute through them. Also, larger groups that help in many places are preferred to small charities with specific goals, because it helps yesterday's crisis not to be overshadowed by today's.
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