Mexico City, Mexico

I remember being young without a care in the world. My sisters and I would look like little "orphans," as my mom would say. We would dress ourselves and do things that are most appealing to the mind of a 6 year old. Being outside was the epitome of enjoyment. Whether making fresh mud pies in the dirt field across the street or playing cops and robbers around the yard; entertainment and joy as a child never seemed to be difficult to find. However, when I look at this little boy all I can see is an expression of exhaustion. He comes into a life where he must learn independence and survival skills at a very young age. In this picture, the effects of a violent wind storm have destroyed the electrical lines. Often houses such as these were hooked up to the electrical lines illegally in order to avoid an electricity bill. Every day seems to bring a new adventure and often trial to overcome.

Works Cited:

Information and picture from Sebastiao Salgado's book, "Migrations: Humanity in Transition."

Book Review of "Left To Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagiza and Steve Erwin

The barbarity that humanity enters during the Rwandan Genocide is unbelievably heartless and demeaning. I have never read such disturbances in my life. The selfishness and pride of the two tribes, Hutu and Tutsi, demolished Rwanda in as little as three months. However, it is through the depths of despair and outrage when we as readers are able to witness the inner strength of individuals like Immaculee Ilibagiza. It is in the tiny space of a Priest’s bathroom occupied with seven other women where Immaculee begins her spiritual journey to rise above the terrors overtaking her land and loved ones. Her goodness overshadows all of the desparity and heartache. It is her dedication to God and the love of her people that create such a unique, humbling experience all mankind can learn from. Although many do not go through this type of holocaust, the qualities she gained through this experience should be shared by all. This book has a uplifting insight toward the idea of forgiving those who wrong in the most unimaginable ways. It is a book of humility. The inner strength she possesses throughout this story spreads to the reader and is applicable in all circumstances of life.

Tree Climbing

In 1983 the Second Sudanese Civil War began. It was simply a continuation of the First Sudanese Civil war ending in 1972. I have never learned about this war, though it was one of the longest, most destructive wars in the 20th century. About 1.9 million civilians lost their lives and 4 million throughout the war became refugees (Wiki). The main cause of this second civil war was the dispute between the Northern Sudanese and the Christian/animist Nilotes of Southern Sudan over religion, economics, and ethnic differences.
The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) was a rebel group that was formed during this war to oppose the Sudan government. This group protected large numbers of young men from being recruited to the Sudanese Army by placing them in a camp in Polataka, South Sudan. This camp is controlled solely by the rebel officers who in turn trained these young boys to fight against the government.
It is sad to think that these boys are raised in an environment so open to violence and hatred. I enjoy the simplicity of this picture. Nature in itself brings peace. These boys are simply trying to enjoy a childhood that they have been lacking; a safe haven where they can escape the monstrosity of war. What better place then a tree?

Works Cited:

"Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2010. Web. 17 Feb. 2010.

Photograph from Sebastiao Salgado's book, " Migrations: Humanity in Transition."

Must See!!!

Recently, since reading the book "Life to Tell," by Immaculee Ilibagiza, I have been very fascinated with the Rwandan Holocaust. My friends and I decided to watch the movie, "Hotel Rwanda," to get a better grasp of what really occured in 1994. I was absolutely amazed at the amount of violence and corruption between the two rivals; Hutu and Tutsi. There was no mercy. Such hatred between these two groups resulted in millions of innocent lives taken. I could not even fathom how such opposition could possibly be taken to the this extremity in such a short time. It was not just merely killing, but torturing and slaughtering in the most disgustingly, twisted ways imaginable. The part of the movie that left me most unamused and upset was the lack of support from the fellow countries. It was as though the world were watching a bully attack a helpless child, with only the courage to give verbal support. Verbal support was not going to save the millions of lives that were ruthlessly taken. It was action that was most desired, needed, and ironically deprived of. Eventually the rebel army came and help was provided.

The details and acting are very respectable. I enjoyed the overall theme of unconquerable love and bravery. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who would like to educate themselves about this horrible genocide. I hope this movie will strengthen your desire to serve and lift others as it has done so for me.

Taken

I grew up in a house full of girls. Boys seemed foreign to me for the first part of my life. The main male influence in my life was that of my Dad. He is my biggest fan. My sisters and I could always count on his support and love. I do not take that for granted.

It broke my heart when I saw Salgado's picture of these young girls and woman holding pictures of their kidnapped husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. The night of July 31, 1983 in Beharke, Iraqi Kurdistan, soldiers under Saddam Hussein's rule, unexpectedly broke into the homes of innocent villagers to take all the men. The woman are still awaiting news of their loved ones; to know of their location or just simple knowledge of their existence. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to have my father taken from my home; never to see him again. The pain and unsettled emotions would constantly be tearing away at my soul. It blows my mind as to what allowed such corruption of government officials to tear lives and families apart forever.

Works Cited:

Kyranlucien. "Sebastiao Salgado, Photographer of the worldfull of ashes and gray sadness...."Chess Blogs. N.p. 01/23/2010. Web. 10 Feb. 2010


Salgado, Sebastiaos. Photograph. "Migrations: Humanity In Transition {The Human Family Around the World}." Legends Online. pdn & Kodac Professional, N.D. Web 10 Feb. 2010

Tanzania 1994

Tanzania is the largest East African Country (945,000sq km). A majority of Tanzania consists of savannah grassland and desert. She is neighbored by: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, and Mozambique. You may ask what this has to do with anything? Well it has significant value to the reoccuring problem that Tanzania has been struggling with for years; refugees. Since the 1950's, Tanzania has continued to be a home to many seeking for saftey and peace. Over 800,000 refugees fled to Tanzania during the 1990s in two groups. The first was to Kagera around 1994, and the second flood of refugees came to Kigoma in 1996 (Wildlifeextra.com).

This photograph was taken by Sabastiao Salgado in 1994. A majority of the refugees in 1994 were Rwandese trying to avoid the mass genocide taking over their land. Currently, while reading "Life to Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of Rwanda, I have been more aware of the horrors that have occured during the Rwandan Holocaust. The continual battle between the two leading tribes; Hutu and Tutsi, left many dead, hurt, and alone. Many times these refugees would leave with the bare minimums; however, some were lucky enough (like this young man above) to bring tools and equipment to help them survive (Salgado). I can't even fathom what it would be like to drop everything in my life and leave to a foreign country with no idea as to what the next day would have in store. However, many have ventured the journey and will continue to do so. The more I am learning about the lives of those suffering in distant lands; the more I am coming to the realization of my life's oblivion and deprivation.

Works Cited:

“Refugee Problem in Tanzania causing Needless Destruction of Wildlife.” wildlifeextra.com. Wild Dog Design & Bright Interactive, 2008. Web. 3 February 2010.

“Diocese of Kagera in Tanzania.” Revd Christine Axford. Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, September 2005. Web. 3 February 2010.