Change/Winter 2014-15 9
Bystanders
and
Wars
I am thoroughly convinced that wars have a negative effect on bystanders. How so? Let us begin with what exactly I'm talking about.
A bystander is one who is present at an event or incident but does not take part. Generally bystanders are found outside of a crime scene, obviously not partaking in what they're seeing. Before and During WW2, there were many bystanders simply watching as people were killed here, raped there, and forced to abandon everything they know, (not physically there, however very aware).
That's great and all,but what's your point?
Editorial of the Month
-S.E. DANQUAH
My point is that wars really do have a bad effect on the bystanders. When one is in a powerless position, the feeling, to begin with, is unlike an other. This feeling probably best described when Eliezer heard his father's cries for aid. "I was afraid. Afraid of the blows. That is why I remained deaf to his voice."
ANGUISH.
He mentions later being angry as well, all together in one all-encompassing feeling of agony. Aside from the feelingss, the memories have a lasting toll. Witnessing so much death, those you love, tose you may not know. People often develop PTSD from the trauma, along with depression, insomnia, and terrible flashbacks. The war itself happens so abruptly. "And then, one day all of the foreign jews were expelled from Sighet."
Recently, the media has been exploding with talks of ISIS (or ISIL) and
been exploding with talks of ISIS (or ISIL) and how the war there is ravaging the land. ONly 10 or so miles away from the war scen, you see people. People who WERE inhabitants of the area but lost everything. Their homes, their belongings, and some family members. The worst part was the majority of their reactions.
There wasn't one.
They had been put through this treastment many times before, and it was evident. Unfortunately, this feeling of apathy is very common among refugees/bystanders. Too common. The fact that anyone has to routinely go through this pain and suffering... to the point where it doesn't hurt anymore, is certainly something to consider before signing any war declaration. They deserved none of it, yet received it all.