People like Aki Ra are heros Ruth, they have courage and wisdom, more than I will ever muster. What we need is someone with as much courage and wisdom in the form of a world leader. Until that happens our hopes and dreams are relegated to the sidelines, How do we get to that great world leader? Education. If the price of every item in a supermarket or gasoline station came with it's human cost on the price tag, I wonder how many would buy? This picture is a step towards eduction, it already has taught me something.
i'm with you there, Kal. i can't understand war, and i can't see how i ever will be able to. i don't suppose anyone will. it's not one of those things that makes any sort of sense.
there are people trying to help with the landmine problem in Cambodia, but it's so hard to do. the biggest problem at the moment are the smaller plastic mines. there are people clearing them (there is one guy in particular, Aki Ra, who is doing is of his own accord, voluntarily, and helping to feed, house, educate child victims of landmines too - an amazing guy, who has been persecuted for what he does...understand that? no, me neither) but the problem with the plastic mines is that because they are so lightweight, they are being dislodged by rains etc and being moved around the country. it is therefore impossible to ever flag an area as cleared and safe, as new mines will no doubt have planted themselves there...
A new generation in Iraq will grow up with the same problems and injuries and no one is accountable, and as someone who is half Iraqi and with family still living there, I feel anger personally. They don't even get counted. The fact that Cambodia still today suffers the ravages of it's mines, should make all people stop and think of the true costs of war to humanity. You made me wonder how many more with this picture, the fact that the answer is that the number is still growing does not surprise me, but it saddens me deeply.
I am so glad you have posted new images here Ruth. This is another great image. By cutting off her only leg that supports her in this photo, you make her suspended, unsupported and that fits the image of desperation so well, and meanwhile we don't become distracted by the legs which are context. I go to her face first and then her hat, and then I see the camp behnd her, and I wonder....How many more?
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