Interesting comparison

[1sparkybuc]

In a nation of 300,000,000 plus or minus, 32 lives taken by 1 sick individual divert all attention away from Don Imus, the Judicial hearings, and the war in Iraq.

In a nation that once was 27,000,000 (Iraq), that number is exceeded several times a month, if not a week, and rates just a brief mention in our newscasts.

We, as a nation, mourn the loss in Virginia and feel the pain of wasted young lives. It has an impact on all of us.
We, as a nation, treat the losses in Iraq like a video game. It only impacts the family and friends of our mutalated or dead military.

The effect on Iraqi citizens doesn't concern us at all.

Imagine the reaction of a typical Iraqi citizen to the news that 33 American students died in a senseless act of violence.

Any comparisons between a single incident in America and what goes on there every day, would be ludicrous.

We need to change our perspective and to look at situations from the viewpoint of others, not to belittle our own tragedies, but to magnify theirs.

[dalbuc]

...and more kids will die of diarrhea today than will die in all the shooting, bombings, beheadings and violence today. It mentions not any account on our newscasts nor do you seem to care a whit and you aren't posting about how we need to care more. Climb down off it.

[Groovatron]

There is no comparison, Sparky. You're out on a limb on this one.

[karen anderson]

Sounds like you're trying to downplay this tragedy!

[spartan]

Now is NOT the time for this Sparky.

[1sparkybuc]

The waste of human life should concern us all no matter where it occurs or under what circumstances. Obviously you people don't value a life unless it happens to be American and then only if you're related.

We won't blame all Koreans for the actions of one twisted individual. You can be sure all Americans will be blamed for the actions of George W. Bush.

[Groovatron]

No matter the circumstances? Really?

Yep, surely every non-American is so ignorant to blame every person in a country for the actions of it's leader. Tell me Mr. Sparky, do you blame all North Koreans for having a wacko leader?

Re: Iraq War

America must prove it will not be drawn out of completing the job just because of body bags, ever since WW2 the Ameircan public sees body bags and makes us withdraw from ever war we've partaken in. The gameplan to defeating the US Army is just rack up enough bodybags.

[Ironphist]

Sparky - light a candle for the Branch Davidians and Hale Bop comet crowd too - we shall never forget... 

[rayfsc07]

WHat a Horrible thread.

[DBrooksIsMyDaddy]

If you talk to any journalist, the geographically closer an event is to you, the more coverage you give it.  Warehouse fire in Tampa?  Only shown locally, unless there are some good flame shots and it's a slow news day, then it will be shown in other Florida markets, too.  Mudslide in the Philippines?  It'll only be shown here if there are thousands dead, or some clear video.  People are more interested in things that happen closer to them, to people that they can relate to more.

[karen anderson]

Stupid thread.

You are missing a key ingreient here. You are comparing one culture where senseless acts of violence on innocent people are (sadly) expected, to a culture where these types of acts are rare in relation to the number of people in this country and the rate that these malicious acts take place.

Of course I am going to be struck deeper if innocent American kids die in a country where freedom and democracy is the basis of our culture, than if equally innocent people die in a country where everyday you have to fear that you might be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

All life is equal, but I think the differences in cultures is what makes the shock and surprise of senseless murders of innoncent people so different. Atleast from our perspective. Then add on top of that that I am born and raised an American, and I will naturally be able to relate and empathize more with an American's death than someone from any other country.

btw, dumb thread