What have I learned?

Even though I researched and studied human rights violation in honors history seminar thoroughly, the detailed abuse in Sudan surprised me every time I encountered. However, what surprised me the most was not the penetrating sufferings in Sudan, but the people like Lost Boy who find happiness every day in the situation that allows none of it: Alepho finds joy in his colorful blanket even when he has been starving for innumerous days. Lost Boys appreciate education the most even when they have to sacrifice their meals for it. They do not complain for what they do not have, but thank for what they have or what they find. Ironically, Sudan might be the worst place in the world, but for some, it might be the place where hidden happiness could be found.

I am disgusted with people's indifference as well as mine. I recall Elie Wiesel's speech of indifference: "...to remain silent and indifferent is the greatest sin of all..." (Wiesel). Indifference is not only "the greatest sin of all", but also the most lethal weapon against humanity. Few days ago, I read an article about China breaking the embargo and aiding Sudanese government militaristically. What surprised me the most was not Chinese militaristic affiliation in Sudan, but the fact that United Nation did not mention anything about immediate reaction to Chinese embargo violation. Even though, many people know about Darfur, Kenya or global warming, they always put their conveniences as their priority, simply because those issues do not seem to affect them directly. We say we live in global era, but do we really? We would never live in global era until we come out of our boxes of indifference.