Limb by Limb

Two weeks ago in my Business and Professional Communication class, I gave a speech about the terrible events that have been taking place in Sudan during the last few years, and talked about the potential responses of the international community to these terrible events that we said we would not ignore again.

The problem is when you talk about these things people say "Wow, that's awful" and then they go right back to watching VH1 or eating their dinner. It is almost as if we revert back to the stage of infancy where we have not yet learned object permanency. If I do not see or hear about it anymore, then it is not there.

I have not had the opportunity yet to see "Hotel Rwanda" but I think I am going to try to go this weekend. I have heard that the film is incredibly powerful and striking, and perhaps it will do something to open the eyes of people around the world to the terrible realities that exist around us. Nicolas Kristof of the NY Times, whom I have written about before here, wrote an Op-Ed piece that powerfully speaks to the impact of pictures on people in inciting them to action in a situation. You can read his Op-Ed here.

I would also like to echo was Mr. Kristof says in his article about writing to your congressional representative or Senator about the U.S. response to these terrible atrocities.

John Cornyn: 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510
Tel: 202-224-2934
Fax: 202-228-2856

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 284 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510-4304
Tel: 202-224-5922,
Fax:202-224-0776

If you are not from Texas, you can find the contact information from your Senator by going here.