Category: Americas, Life & Society Topics: Media Views: 3857
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Tsunami and the US Media
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| Tsunami devastated Akkrapattai, India |
A friend posed a question to me. He said, "You write about these things all of the time. Does it make sense that the US has allocated $87 billion to spend on Iraq and initially only $35 million to help the people of South and Southeast Asia devastated by the earthquake and tsunami?" Is the US "the most generous nation in the world" as stated by President Bush or is it one of the most "stingy" countries as mentioned by Jan Egeland, the UN relief coordinator? And how have Americans and the American media reacted to one of the largest natural disasters that mankind has experienced?
As we listened to the first media reports of the Indonesian earthquake and the subsequent tsunami last Sunday, those reports were initially lost amongst the holiday season stories of storms and stranded airline passengers. Initial accounts of the Asian disaster placed the numbers killed only as one or two thousand. Those numbers brought to mind the 2,982 people killed in the Sept. 11 crisis and the more than 1300 American servicemen killed in Iraq. America had responded to Sept. 11 and Iraq in a very strong fashion. Would we respond to the Asian crisis and loss of life in a similar fashion?
As more news reports filtered in, it became apparent that the Asian crisis is one of the world's greatest natural disasters. News articles pointed out that you had to go back centuries, in some cases, to find as many deaths caused by an earthquake and, the deaths caused by the Indonesian tsunami, is already the greatest number ever caused by a tidal wave. It was clear that the world would have to pull together to help the people caught in this tragedy.
The American media showed devastating pictures of destroyed cities and villages in Asia and videos of scores of unidentified dead bodies floating in the water. However, the stories about individuals lost in the tragedy were overwhelmingly about Americans and other Westerners. Profiles of fair-skinned victims were shown over and over again yet the darker skinned victims were just part of the mass deaths. Very few, if any, stories emerged about Asian individuals who died or suffered as a result of the disaster while the story of the Western super model who survived the flood was repeated many times. We were not exposed to the "humanization" of the Asian victims.
Possibly because of this, America did not make an official response to the disaster until four days after the tsunami when President Bush came forward. The New York Times pointed out in an editorial that the initial American offer of $15 million was less than half of what the Republicans were spending on Bush's January inauguration. And the UN's Egeland said that the rich nations were being "stingy" with their humanitarian aid.
One had to search far and wide in the Western media to see that Saudi Arabia initially pledged $10 million for relief aid to the Asians. And you had to research even deeper to see that Saudi Arabia has, over the last three decades given foreign aid to 70 countries in excess of $76 billion. More significantly, this amounts to about 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Saudi Arabia, one of the highest percentages of foreign aid amongst the world's nations. In contrast, the United States gives about one tenth of one percent of its GDP to foreign aid. Again, significantly, between one fourth and one third of that American foreign aid goes to Israel which has a higher per capita income than some European countries.
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| War devastated Fallujah, Iraq |
While individual Americans are reaching into their pockets and donating money for the relief of the disaster victims, our government appears to have other priorities. We spent billions of dollars to destroy buildings and infrastructure in Iraq and now are spending further billions to try to rebuild what we destroyed. Our media spent countless dollars to rush to Asia and tell the story of the destruction there, but we focused much of the media attention on the plight of Western individuals.
Maybe it is this form of media attention that allows us to be less helpful than other nations.
And maybe the "compassionate conservatism" of the Republican Party should focus more of their attention on the plight of our Asian brothers and sisters than on the Republican presidential inauguration.
Dr. Michael Saba is an international relations consultant. [email protected]
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Older Comments:
I. MANN FROM USA said:
It is interesting that Saudi's contribution and other rich Muslim countries do not get enough visibility in the news media to the world (more so to non-Muslim countries - heard questions like how much did Brunei give? Saudi?). Why is this not widely known. Need to fix the image of Islam - they are not doing anything, etc. I know that a Muslim must be humble and not make public announcement about their donations. But this is doing a dis-service to Islam given current situation and perceptions.
2005-01-16
KHAYSUDDIN ALI FROM USA said:
Brother Triathlon,
Asalaam Alaikum. Thanks for your response. I see that our dialogue is not really benefitting me, you, the Tsunami victims, or anyone else, for that matter and is leading into a decidedly non-Islamic thread of discussion. My first instinct was to reply to you in the kind with which you have treated me, but really, what is the value in that? What are our motivations (yours and mine)here on the net where everyone can see us argue? Are we trying to out argue or out endure each other? Perhaps we are trying to prove how clever we are...but whatever the reason it is obviously counter-productive. Thus, in the true spirit of brotherhood, I will say, may Allah guide and keep us all on the straight path, for I am sure that both you and I actually work hard to improve the world, albeit in different ways.
Asalaam Alaikum. Thanks for your response. I see that our dialogue is not really benefitting me, you, the Tsunami victims, or anyone else, for that matter and is leading into a decidedly non-Islamic thread of discussion. My first instinct was to reply to you in the kind with which you have treated me, but really, what is the value in that? What are our motivations (yours and mine)here on the net where everyone can see us argue? Are we trying to out argue or out endure each other? Perhaps we are trying to prove how clever we are...but whatever the reason it is obviously counter-productive. Thus, in the true spirit of brotherhood, I will say, may Allah guide and keep us all on the straight path, for I am sure that both you and I actually work hard to improve the world, albeit in different ways.
2005-01-12
TRIATHALON FROM UK said:
Tsk tsk Mr.Ali. You should learn to relax, and handle criticism. As for what I have done, I'm not one to brag but as an MD I've done what little I can.
That being said, I understood you Americans very well, you dont like tough analysis of your actions as your jingoism continues to show. Americans are killing innocent men, woman and children everyday and have been at it for a damn long time....and thats not including the sadistic torture they inflict on their victims. No amount of spin and cash will change these facts. So please grow up and spare me ..
That being said, I understood you Americans very well, you dont like tough analysis of your actions as your jingoism continues to show. Americans are killing innocent men, woman and children everyday and have been at it for a damn long time....and thats not including the sadistic torture they inflict on their victims. No amount of spin and cash will change these facts. So please grow up and spare me ..
2005-01-12
BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY FROM SINGAPORE said:
very very TRUe ...
2005-01-09
KHAYSUDDIN ALI FROM USA said:
Triathlon,
You don't understand my country at all. Your statements prove it, and your cycnicism impresses me not at all. But tell me you who are so learned in the ways of the Americans, what are you personally doing about the Tsunami victims from way up in your ivory tower? Stop comlpaining and do something about it. Remember, arrogance and self-indulgent high handed behavior ill befits the servants of Allah. But I guess it's easier to be critical of others and talk about things without actually doing anything. Anyway, maybe some day you'll come down to earth and I'll see you at the lemonade stand. Inshallah, I hope I do.
You don't understand my country at all. Your statements prove it, and your cycnicism impresses me not at all. But tell me you who are so learned in the ways of the Americans, what are you personally doing about the Tsunami victims from way up in your ivory tower? Stop comlpaining and do something about it. Remember, arrogance and self-indulgent high handed behavior ill befits the servants of Allah. But I guess it's easier to be critical of others and talk about things without actually doing anything. Anyway, maybe some day you'll come down to earth and I'll see you at the lemonade stand. Inshallah, I hope I do.
2005-01-08
TRIATHALON FROM UK said:
Actually Mr.Ali, I understand Americans very well.
Unfortunately, US citizens are mostly brainwashed couch potatoes who won't or can't think for themselves. They experience no outrage at the plight of others in war, nor do they sincerely care about others in need in times of natural disasters. Sure, there is an outpouring of money and stuff, but this is only to make themselves feel superior to all others. "It's the right thing to do," is what they only know, but then only shallowly.
Of course, this is a generalization. There are plenty who care, really care, but are powerless in the face of the oppressive fascists who have taken over their country. Hope, and justice, wil arrive only when they become moved to armed revolution and score victories over the thugs who have usurped power over their otherwise sheepish fellow citizens.
Until then, spare me the damage control.
Unfortunately, US citizens are mostly brainwashed couch potatoes who won't or can't think for themselves. They experience no outrage at the plight of others in war, nor do they sincerely care about others in need in times of natural disasters. Sure, there is an outpouring of money and stuff, but this is only to make themselves feel superior to all others. "It's the right thing to do," is what they only know, but then only shallowly.
Of course, this is a generalization. There are plenty who care, really care, but are powerless in the face of the oppressive fascists who have taken over their country. Hope, and justice, wil arrive only when they become moved to armed revolution and score victories over the thugs who have usurped power over their otherwise sheepish fellow citizens.
Until then, spare me the damage control.
2005-01-08
AKBAR KHAN FROM CANADA said:
Triathalon,
Stop trying to be judge, jury and prosecutor all at once. And for your information, there is no such thing as RACE - there is only one race, I don't know if you've heard, it's called the "Human Race." Maybe that is why so many people use the wrong terminology so often. We all are children of Prophet Adam (as). As far as grouping people into categories and being prejudiced against them would be the correct terminology. Someone may hate me for having brown skin, and someone may hate another person for having white skin. But beyond the pigmentation of a person's skin, everything else about human beings, other than their distinguishing features, are exactly the same. Every human being has a brain, and a heart, some degree of intellect, and a soul.
Anyways as far as economic aid is concerned, I think one should realize is that tribes and nations of the world need to start criticizing their own faults first before they go sticking their noses into other people's business. Or else, enjoy playing the blame game forever in a continous cycle of finger pointing.
Stop trying to be judge, jury and prosecutor all at once. And for your information, there is no such thing as RACE - there is only one race, I don't know if you've heard, it's called the "Human Race." Maybe that is why so many people use the wrong terminology so often. We all are children of Prophet Adam (as). As far as grouping people into categories and being prejudiced against them would be the correct terminology. Someone may hate me for having brown skin, and someone may hate another person for having white skin. But beyond the pigmentation of a person's skin, everything else about human beings, other than their distinguishing features, are exactly the same. Every human being has a brain, and a heart, some degree of intellect, and a soul.
Anyways as far as economic aid is concerned, I think one should realize is that tribes and nations of the world need to start criticizing their own faults first before they go sticking their noses into other people's business. Or else, enjoy playing the blame game forever in a continous cycle of finger pointing.
2005-01-08
KHAYSUDDIN ALI FROM USA said:
Whoa there Triathlon, lemonade stands for Fallujah? Read my post at the "Year of Blood" article; I think you'll find that we agree on things, actually (concerning Iraq, that is). But you've taken things onto a completely different tanjent. I was talking about aid to the Tsunami victims and those ciritical of it. I in no way mentioned the war in Iraq, so I don't really see your point. Your comments aren't pertinent to the discussion. But that's cool, I understand if you want to save face and back me into a corner. But before you respond so high handedly to me, read what I posted at Year of Blood.
Anyway, Triathlon, I am a convert to Islam. I took shahada a month ago, this done despite an overwhelming amount of negative stereotyping and pressure not do so. I live in a place where not only am I a conspicuous minority, I have to deal with religious prejudice on a regular basis-so don't try that "you don't know what you're talking about" crap with me. I never said there wasn't ethnic profiling and if you read my post before you jumped to conclusions, you'd see that. What I said was that I didn't (and still don't) see any ethnic profiling of the Tsunami victims in the news reports aired in the US. I honestly believe we want to help, with no strings attached. We want to do this because its the right thing to do. It's that simple. Maybe you disagree with me, that's fine, but you needn't have taken it to the next level. But what is more, you're not an American and have no idea what our internal dialogue is regarding this matter (the Tsunami), you're just drawing unsubstantiated conclusions based on what you saw on telly.
I'll reiterate my point: I think it is in poor taste to criticize those who give aid. We should just be thankful that it is given. I'm sure that those who receive it won't turn it away, however cynical you may be about it while you are safefly ensconced in the UK.
Anyway, Triathlon, I am a convert to Islam. I took shahada a month ago, this done despite an overwhelming amount of negative stereotyping and pressure not do so. I live in a place where not only am I a conspicuous minority, I have to deal with religious prejudice on a regular basis-so don't try that "you don't know what you're talking about" crap with me. I never said there wasn't ethnic profiling and if you read my post before you jumped to conclusions, you'd see that. What I said was that I didn't (and still don't) see any ethnic profiling of the Tsunami victims in the news reports aired in the US. I honestly believe we want to help, with no strings attached. We want to do this because its the right thing to do. It's that simple. Maybe you disagree with me, that's fine, but you needn't have taken it to the next level. But what is more, you're not an American and have no idea what our internal dialogue is regarding this matter (the Tsunami), you're just drawing unsubstantiated conclusions based on what you saw on telly.
I'll reiterate my point: I think it is in poor taste to criticize those who give aid. We should just be thankful that it is given. I'm sure that those who receive it won't turn it away, however cynical you may be about it while you are safefly ensconced in the UK.
2005-01-08
TRIATHALON FROM UK said:
You protest a bit too much Mr.Ali. But you are correct maybe its just "you" who doesnt get the seriousness of racial profiling.
As for aid...we'll see how much of that 350 mill makes it to those in need. How about raising money for the 100000 Iraqis who were killed by US terrorists ? Got any lemonade stands for the victims of Fallujah ?
No, I didnt think so.
As for aid...we'll see how much of that 350 mill makes it to those in need. How about raising money for the 100000 Iraqis who were killed by US terrorists ? Got any lemonade stands for the victims of Fallujah ?
No, I didnt think so.
2005-01-08
KHALIL said:
IT would be naive to think that the big nations and especially the US would give without expecting something in return such as publicity and sympathy from people around the world in order to gain support to rage a war for example. However I would believe that saudi arabia for example and other muslim nations would give only for the sake of giving and without expecting anything in return. And this is what I think islam teachs; that is to give with that sole intention to help. Without any hidden agenda...If the US or other rich nations wanted to eradicate poverty around the world, they sure could. But that would stop the machine of capitalism that make the rich richer and the poor poorer.
2005-01-07
KHAYSUDDIN ALI FROM USA said:
Triatholon,
I do not deny that racial profiling exists, it is a terrible thing. But I haven't really seen any racial profiling (in my country at least)of the victims. Maybe that's just me.
BUT MY NUMBERS ARE NOT OFF! SEEK PROPER INFORMATION THANKS! 350 million is what we've sent to date. But I was wrong about sending the most money, that actually goes to Japan, who sent $500 million. I don't need to seek help, thank you, sir. I stand by what I've said. I've seen children in my country set up lemonade stands to help raise money to help the flood victims. But the figure I quoted is a fact and, I reiterate, not way off. So I reiterate again that I do not need help. In fact, I am in the process of organizing a non-profit that will give all of its proceeds to the victims of the Tsunami (Inshallah, it will go well. Please God, let us help those who need it). Can you say the same? I rather think not. How about instead of attacking others and complaining you go out there and do something about the problem? I guess that isn't as mcuh fun, since it would actually take some constructive effort.
I do not deny that racial profiling exists, it is a terrible thing. But I haven't really seen any racial profiling (in my country at least)of the victims. Maybe that's just me.
BUT MY NUMBERS ARE NOT OFF! SEEK PROPER INFORMATION THANKS! 350 million is what we've sent to date. But I was wrong about sending the most money, that actually goes to Japan, who sent $500 million. I don't need to seek help, thank you, sir. I stand by what I've said. I've seen children in my country set up lemonade stands to help raise money to help the flood victims. But the figure I quoted is a fact and, I reiterate, not way off. So I reiterate again that I do not need help. In fact, I am in the process of organizing a non-profit that will give all of its proceeds to the victims of the Tsunami (Inshallah, it will go well. Please God, let us help those who need it). Can you say the same? I rather think not. How about instead of attacking others and complaining you go out there and do something about the problem? I guess that isn't as mcuh fun, since it would actually take some constructive effort.
2005-01-07
CESAR FROM USA/MEX said:
(Muslim) Middle Easter Nations are some of the reachest in the world but the total donations offered by them amounts to only 91 million.
Christian Nations so far have offered over 3 billion dollars.
One of the reasons why some Muslim relief organizations have not offered donations is because they can not assure that the donations will only be spent on Muslims.
How selfish must Muslims be? this is very consistent with islamic attitudes and how we Christians differ from them.
Christian Nations so far have offered over 3 billion dollars.
One of the reasons why some Muslim relief organizations have not offered donations is because they can not assure that the donations will only be spent on Muslims.
How selfish must Muslims be? this is very consistent with islamic attitudes and how we Christians differ from them.
2005-01-07
TRIATHOLON FROM UK said:
Mr.Ali, you being a "white boy Muslim" dont see racial profiling ? You ever wonder why ? Are you actually denying that racial profiling exists ? I hope you're not that daft.
Plus, your numbers on US aid are way off. Seek help.
Plus, your numbers on US aid are way off. Seek help.
2005-01-06
KHAYSUDDIN ALI FROM USA said:
I am totally against this article. The US has contributed the most in aid of any country ($350 million). Far and above more than any nation. They are also mobilizing to get more aid and are assisting the survivors.
We shouldn't be critical of the aid that is offered and given freely-that is wrong and it spits in the face of those who give it.
I am a Muslim, but I am shamed by what is written here and in no way approve of th articles biased statements against my country.
The author needs to take in account that this was/is the greatest natural disaster to take place in modern history; and believe it or not, the US was taken unawares as well. What this means is that if a disproportionate amount of funds seem to go to Iraq instead of SE Asia, its because it was planned, budgeted, allocated and approved by elected representatives in the government. I way this to point out that it takes time in a responsible republic to motivate funds for any purpose, and a disaster like this surely takes up more than anyone could have planned for in their worst nightmares.
People, please stop hating my country and country men. We are good people that are doing our best to do good in the world. But you know, Allah knows all, and HE knows, and that is good.
Instead of bickering let us find solidarity and brotherhood as the Children of Adam and work together to help the victims.
SO, do not ask what the US did or did not do
Ask yourself (for Allah will on the Day of Judgement) what did I do to help those who needed it?
We shouldn't be critical of the aid that is offered and given freely-that is wrong and it spits in the face of those who give it.
I am a Muslim, but I am shamed by what is written here and in no way approve of th articles biased statements against my country.
The author needs to take in account that this was/is the greatest natural disaster to take place in modern history; and believe it or not, the US was taken unawares as well. What this means is that if a disproportionate amount of funds seem to go to Iraq instead of SE Asia, its because it was planned, budgeted, allocated and approved by elected representatives in the government. I way this to point out that it takes time in a responsible republic to motivate funds for any purpose, and a disaster like this surely takes up more than anyone could have planned for in their worst nightmares.
People, please stop hating my country and country men. We are good people that are doing our best to do good in the world. But you know, Allah knows all, and HE knows, and that is good.
Instead of bickering let us find solidarity and brotherhood as the Children of Adam and work together to help the victims.
SO, do not ask what the US did or did not do
Ask yourself (for Allah will on the Day of Judgement) what did I do to help those who needed it?
2005-01-05
ROMESH CHANDER FROM US said:
One week BEFORE, Tidal Waves hit, US announced that next year, US will REDUCE its contributions for worldwide huminitarian help. And that became the policy.
So,under that policy, US announced giving $15 million. Japan promised $30 million. Then New York Times wrote a stinging editroial that Republican President was going to spend $40 million for his re-inaugration. The whole world started crticising US. So, US promised $35 million. Essentially, US was not interested in relief effort. But when the criticism of the world grew larger and shriller (that US is spending hundreds of billions on death and destruction in Iraq and Afghanistan), US decided to increase the amount.
One must differentiate between US government and US people. The response of US government was pathetic, because that was going to be the policy of US for next year (and it will the policy for next year and the years afterwards; the total amount for next year will remain same ( it is somebody else now who is going to get short-changed).
To reduce further embarassment, GWB has asked for help of his father and Bill Clinton for raising money; I seriously doubt, that 'born again christian' GWB's heart is in relief effort for the third world; the whole thing is strictly political; and the world political leaders fully understand it and GWB's policies.
Yes, GWB has no intention of reducing expenses for his re-inaugration (when KIng/Queen of England get coronated, even they don't spend as lavishly as Bush is spending).
So,under that policy, US announced giving $15 million. Japan promised $30 million. Then New York Times wrote a stinging editroial that Republican President was going to spend $40 million for his re-inaugration. The whole world started crticising US. So, US promised $35 million. Essentially, US was not interested in relief effort. But when the criticism of the world grew larger and shriller (that US is spending hundreds of billions on death and destruction in Iraq and Afghanistan), US decided to increase the amount.
One must differentiate between US government and US people. The response of US government was pathetic, because that was going to be the policy of US for next year (and it will the policy for next year and the years afterwards; the total amount for next year will remain same ( it is somebody else now who is going to get short-changed).
To reduce further embarassment, GWB has asked for help of his father and Bill Clinton for raising money; I seriously doubt, that 'born again christian' GWB's heart is in relief effort for the third world; the whole thing is strictly political; and the world political leaders fully understand it and GWB's policies.
Yes, GWB has no intention of reducing expenses for his re-inaugration (when KIng/Queen of England get coronated, even they don't spend as lavishly as Bush is spending).
2005-01-05
YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
My understanding is that if Muslims are praised for generosity then by such acknowledgements they will have received their reward. Nevertheless if such acknowledgements have encouraged others to be more generous then perhaps the Muslim might receive some other kind of reward later on.
As for Jan Egeland shaming the rich into giving generously - and in a timely manner - the Evangelists (as seen on TV) would seem to do that sort of thing fairly often. As for Dr Michael Saba using the Administration's missteps to disparage the Republican Party that might simply seem to be politics as usual. Personally I would suggest trying not to read too much into such things.
As for Jan Egeland shaming the rich into giving generously - and in a timely manner - the Evangelists (as seen on TV) would seem to do that sort of thing fairly often. As for Dr Michael Saba using the Administration's missteps to disparage the Republican Party that might simply seem to be politics as usual. Personally I would suggest trying not to read too much into such things.
2005-01-04
BRYAN FROM USA said:
I disagree with this article. It was posted on January 4, 2005 a week after the USA raised its comittment for humanitarian aid to $350-million. Why did this author intentionally mislead his readers? Furthermore, the USA is providing military support and helicopters that are not counted in the dollar amount. In addition, the USA believes in private enterprise and has many non-governmental organizations as well as two ex-presidents raising private funds to help the tsunami victims.
Additionally, the so-called $76-billion that Saudi Arabia had previously contributed to other countries mostly went to proseletize the world with the Wahabbi religion and not to help feed, clothe, or provide for the health of suffering people.
Finally, the author criticizes the USA for providing assistance to Israel yet fails to mention the billions of dollars that it has given to the Palestinian Authority only have those funds embezzled by Yassir Arafat and his wife rather than use the contributions to help raise the standard of living of the poor Palestinian people.
Unfortunately, some people only want to see a picture in the most negative light possible and prefer to use misleading and inaccurate "facts" to promote a political point-of-view even at a time when politics should be set aside.
Additionally, the so-called $76-billion that Saudi Arabia had previously contributed to other countries mostly went to proseletize the world with the Wahabbi religion and not to help feed, clothe, or provide for the health of suffering people.
Finally, the author criticizes the USA for providing assistance to Israel yet fails to mention the billions of dollars that it has given to the Palestinian Authority only have those funds embezzled by Yassir Arafat and his wife rather than use the contributions to help raise the standard of living of the poor Palestinian people.
Unfortunately, some people only want to see a picture in the most negative light possible and prefer to use misleading and inaccurate "facts" to promote a political point-of-view even at a time when politics should be set aside.
2005-01-04
BOUSSAD FROM ALGERIA said:
I agree totaly with this artical, and i thik that it's not enough. america is not only destroying buildings in irak but also killing inocent people in both irak and palestine!! america is not at all what CNN and other media showing, it is all the oposit!!!
2005-01-04
GRACE HOLTON FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
It is more than apparent that Dr. Saba's personal agenda is far beyond the tsunami. Americans and the American government give more than any country in the world when helping others because we are comprised of so many oppressed people from all nations in the world. People of evil intent will always criticize Americans while they themselves do little or nothing. We and the needy of the world have no time for their petty tantrums; we are too busy helping.
2005-01-04
J BUFFAT FROM USA said:
I disagree with this article. I feel the US is doing all we can for the tsunami victims. Jan Egeland's response of rich countries being "stingy" was misinterpreted. This he stated himself in a news conference, and I quote. "I've been misinterpreted when I yesterday said that I believed that rich countries in general can be more generous"., He also stated "It has nothing to do with any particular country or the response to this emergency. The USA is doing all we can do.
I have read quite a few stories about "dark skinned" victims. Which news station do you watch? Which news paper do you read?? Are you trying to say the US is only concerned about "fair-skinned" people?? That's just crazy! Why it is the USA is always under a scope?? No matter what the United Stated does, it's not ever going to be good enough.
Since the Asian crisis is one of the world's greatest natural disasters, everyone All Over The World should work together and help these people There's no time to worry which country is giving more money or about news coverage. The US is doing all it can. Now's the time for ALL NATIONS to come together and help Asia.
I have read quite a few stories about "dark skinned" victims. Which news station do you watch? Which news paper do you read?? Are you trying to say the US is only concerned about "fair-skinned" people?? That's just crazy! Why it is the USA is always under a scope?? No matter what the United Stated does, it's not ever going to be good enough.
Since the Asian crisis is one of the world's greatest natural disasters, everyone All Over The World should work together and help these people There's no time to worry which country is giving more money or about news coverage. The US is doing all it can. Now's the time for ALL NATIONS to come together and help Asia.
2005-01-04
MARIAM FROM MALAYSIA said:
There are some truth to this article as I have been following the news on both CNN and BBC everyday since the disaster. Yes, there should be more coverage on Aceh, Indonesia as well as other relief efforts by other countries. However, to be fair, I would like to share that MERCY Malaysia has had a slight international news coverage for its effort in Indonesia but true enough, other relief works by other countries are not given due coverage. Also, focus on various religious aid groups should be fair to project the real scenerio.
2005-01-04
SAMY FROM USA said:
Very perceptive observation. Yes, the Western media covered the white victims disproportionately, however, that would be a little understandable when we think that the majority of their audience are "white" Anglos. I am sure Muslim countries focused on "Muslim" victims in Indonesia.. Hindu media on "Hindu" victims, etc. Someone told me that in Morocco there was endless coverage of this town in Indonesia where everything was destroyed except for mosques. Again, this was seen through a discriminating prism. The same thing could be said about Western media coverage of "white" Europeans. I think we should give it the benefit of the doubt given the fact that this is a human disaster and that we all need to stick together, regardless of race.
2005-01-04
PATTY M FROM USA!!!! said:
I disagree with this article. I wonder how much the author gave? We did not make the tsunami, how now are we responsible for it? How much did Europe give? Greece? Why do people always watch What the US does? Change starts with the man in the mirror. Now that we have sent billions, what have you got to say? Do you apologize and thank the US for the relief?
2005-01-04
YAHYA BERGUM FROM USA said:
In terms of assuring plentiful and reliable sources of oil, reconstruction in Indonesia might potentially prove to be more profitable than reparations in Iraq. Perhaps militant Americans might consider thinking of the present situation along the shores of the Indian Ocean as a sort of war for which America, as if by some sort of a miracle, bears no responsibility - but from which America might conceivably attain a more genuine and lasting victory, on average, than America might seem to have attained in the majority of its foreign conflicts. In a worldly sense perhaps your country might have realized the ultimate sort of a victory when the vast majority of the world's inhabitants are simply grateful that your country exists.
2005-01-04
NURAINI FROM MALAYSIA said:
This is true. CNN and BBC both mainly focuses on the devastation, the relief efforts, and the foreigners. However, among the locals they give the spotlight to are mainly Sri Lankans and Thais, showing their co-operation and charity, as though the same were not also shown by Indonesians in Aceh. They made big news about India refusing foreign aid, but Malaysia also declined, and have sent aid to others as soon as India did. In fact, on the ground in Aceh, the largest foreign search and rescue team is the Malaysian team. Malaysia's Mercy were the first doctors to arrive in Aceh. Nothing is mentioned of them, and nothing of the Chinese, Taiwanese, Singaporean and Mexican (yes, Mexican!) SAR teams working to retrieve and dispose of corpses. Nothing is mentioned of aid arriving from the middle east, as though they gave nothing. About two seconds were given for the arrival of Jordan's aid. But Israel was mentioned several times, as well as European countries and Australia. I do not have nothing against these countries, as they are also our friends, and probably wouldn't have approved this sort of reporting themselves. But a lot of people working hard on the ground are invisible in the international media.
2005-01-04
