not luckier than the other

This is from Kathang-Pinay blog, which I came across courtesy of Jean Vengua's Okir blog.

"Friday, December 31, 2004

Ok. I'm breaking my silence about blogging on the tsunamis because I just read something that infuriated me. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg just told New York revelers to take time out to look in the mirror and realize how lucky they are because others are not so lucky. Fuck! This is exactly what is wrong with this civilization. The inability to conceive the "other" as part of one's self. No!No! No! We are not luckier than the devastated people of Asia. We are all part of the same body. This is why I finally turned off the TV and quit listening to the western media's take on this disaster.

Instead I hear a Buddhist monk's quiet reflection (via an Asian media outlet): This is tragic, yes; but this is also part of nature and the Lord's will. We will rise again as the people have always done for eons when an event like this happen.

Unlike Mayor Bloomberg, I am not going to say: I am lucky, they are not. Unlike George Bush, I will not say: I am free, they are not; they are poor, we are not. Split my body into half, will you?! Hide the dark side and project it onto the "Other" so you will not have to carry the awareness of fragmentation. You will pity the unlucky ones so you will be charitable. You will open your pursestrings even as your heart remains imprisoned by the shackles of your dualistic mind. This is your tragedy ...and mine."


Comments

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said…
You're right Jill. This was one of the times when I never gave a second thought even about me - about how fortunate I was and all that. The shock of the loss was simply too painful and heartwrenching for me. Perhaps some day, the likes of NY Mayor, Bloomberg, may reach their own point of reckoning and end up shivering in their boots. I bet when that day comes, the world may finally start to be a kinder place.
04/01/2005, 15:39
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