Why do some people become activists while others look on from the sidelines, unmoved by situations that a committed activist finds intolerable? We’re all against oppression and injustice and we all believe human rights are hugely important and must be defended at all cost—but not necessarily by us. Others however, hear a call that the rest of us don’t hear and they respond, believing that their presence is required elsewhere, sometimes on foreign soil. Somehow it’s the ‘foreign soil’ part that seems of particular significance to me. What makes such people different from you and me? Are they fearless? More in touch with their conscience? Perhaps they have less to lose back home? Do we each have a tipping point?
2 Responses
That’s the central question.Slightly changed,it is the bedrock of civilization – why do some put their lives at risk to save others? Magggie Paxson tries to answer the question about the people of Le Chambon, France, who saved many Jewish lives during the German occupation. So does Caroline Moorehead in “Village of Secrets,” among others. Engaging blog. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Bannerjee. I’ve been thinking about this again after reading an MSF person’s article about the importance of cultural understanding when rescuing, say, people fleeing on boats in the Mediterranean. We need to learn more what it takes to e such a person. If I do another program on this subject, I will be sure to let you know, maybe have a conversation about it?