Turning Your Twitter Green Doesn't Save Lives
When the controversy and tragedy surrounding the current election in Iran first started, like many other Westerners I was engrossed by sick, sad apathy towards the horrendous affairs happening in the Middle East. The way in which these events grabbed our attention makes me feel sick to the stomach when I think about it, and I'm sure you all felt the same after someone made a broadcast of the horrifying and graphic death of an innocent woman named Nada who lay bleeding in the streets of Tehran. Sure, we care about the elections now but it should never have taken an innocent young woman to bleed to death to grab our attention and concern. Unfortunately though, in an age of hedonism, ignorance and greed this level of ignorance is common practice and prevalent in many cultures around the world (not just Westerners).
But here's what really gets me... I came across an article published by some random American journalist (don't quote me on who, but it was really eye-opening and you can read it here) that really was a reality check and a stern slap in the face. We are popularizing the cruel nature of this election coverage to the point where it wouldn't suprise me if certain people were starting to make a profit out of it. I believe that the author made the comparison to that of a Miss America pagent, where the cute blonde graces the stage with her false empathy and melodrama and sings out something cliché like "people are dying every second around the world from hunger... We need to stop this!"; her speech captivates people, and their facial muscles tense up and their throats begin to swell. As for the people watching at home, they listen intently, but get up off the couch to go and eat a big fat greasy burger. In the mean-time, the Miss America candidate marvels dumb-founded at her brand new trophy and over-sized novelty cheque. Someone asks, "how are you going to spend your winnings?", to which she replies "I'm going to go and visit the starving children in Africa... and buy a new car."
Visiting them shows she cares, yes. However it's one thing to show that you care, but are you actually going to contribute anything that will help change the situation? Probably not. But most of us won't even get as far as making the gesture to show that we 'care' in the first place. We'll just go and eat a burger.
The elections in Iran pose a similar situation, people listen, turn their Twitter profiles green as an empathetic gesture, but don't actually contribute anything to the cause. Although it's a sad reality (and sorry people it might take a little effort), if you really want to make a difference you need to donate. Even a small dollar goes a long way when you combine the figures. It's the same old story, and as of tonight, I myself am going to make a donation because I'm sick of this type of thing happening to innocent people around the world and I want to fight it. Turning your pictures green is still lovely, yes, but please commit fully because these people need your help. There are a number of charities listed on the link I provided you earlier, and this blog outlines a list of the official aid sites.
That was my two cents on the whole thing anyway, and for those who are contributing my hat comes off to you all!
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