After watching “To Die in Jerusalem,” it made me really sit back and think of the difference between American culture and citizens and the Palestinian way of life. It’s amazing to think of how completely different in ideology we are. Most American’s would never think to give their life for a cause. Why is this? Are we not passionate enough as a nation, or so spoiled that there is nothing more we care about then ourselves and those close to us? This in no means is defending suicide bombings or the outright murder of innocent civilians but it’s just interesting to think about.
It’s completely amazing to me that people think that their way into heaven or the acceptance by God is somehow tied into killing other human beings. Walking into a supermarket filled with people of all ages, innocence and harmlessness, and setting off a bomb is actually sickening. It would be really interesting to know what is said to these people to get them to commit such intense acts. As an American, it is incredible to think of what it would be like to have to actually worry about whether or not it is too dangerous to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things for dinner for your family. These people who are being killed are being killed in everyday situations that should not require any fear, but due to the situation are inundated with the possibility of actual death.
Although George Bush does not always say the best things, it was really gripping when the documentary had him saying that “…when an 18 year old is induced to be a suicide bomber, the future of the Palestinian people is dying; when she kills a 17 year old Israeli girl, the future of the Israeli people is dying… .” This is completely true and heartbreaking at the same time. To have two groups of people have actual malice towards one another it is striking, but to see a mother cry over her seventeen year old daughter’s death is unimaginable.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Its surprising that something so profound could come from George W. Bush, but what he's saying could not be more true. The taking of lives (and futures) is not something that can be taken lightly and it is the responsibility of those who can make a difference to make this senseless centuries-old violence end. Suicide bombing is one of the great dark mysteries of this world as I myself could not even think of a reason to ever give away my life and future for the preservation of a belief. Guess thats part of the gap between Western and Middle Eastern culture that Jen was referring to.
ReplyDelete