Painful Sights

Since my old magazines are piled up on my desk, I decide to put them in my drawers to make my room cleaner, and also to kill time. However, while I scan the past issues of Time Magazine, my attention is caught by an issue regarding tsunami in Asia. Remembering the stories behind this tragedy, I can’t help but feel sorry for the victims. It’s a devastating occurrence that tortured those who were left behind, without their homes, without their loved ones. I remembered the time when I donated some of my old possessions. I know it can be of help, but I realize that what I did is just a matter material possession. It can help them survive a day, however it is not something that can really ease them. I know it’s the loss of the loved one that really struck them. Thinking that I wasn’t much of a help, I feel sorry for them, and worse, I pity them.

This tragedy is not the only thing that put me into a state of pitying the suffering.  In fact there are three things that really rip my heart because of pity:

1. The people in Africa…. We know how they suffer from extreme scarcity. Hunger is what kills them, leaving them with only their flesh and bones on their starving community. Angelina Jolie’s “Beyond Borders” shows the situation in Africa. I know what that film showcased is not an exaggeration, but a true depiction of its condition. It’s painful, knowing that there are people out there would be extremely joyful once they eat even a tiny piece of bread while we complain about having better than that.

1. Cyclone in India. A country that was once struck by a cyclone. It is similar to the Tsunami incident and I guess the sight of these people is heart-wrenching, as they clung to the branch of the tress so they wouldn’t get hit by the scorching wind.

1. Grave of the Fireflies. It’s a classic movie anime back in 80’s. Though it’s fiction, it perfectly portrays the condition of Japanese during World War II. This is a story of two siblings who struggled their way in order to survive from the destruction of war. I won’t go into further details but believe me, it would feel like you’d want to commit suicide after watching the film. The scenes are just poignant.