The beautiful state of Penang recently held a charity event for Japan's Tsunami Relief. The Pink Hibiscus Club which an organization for Japanese women in Penang, organized this event sponsored by Penang's State Government and the Japanese Consulate in Penang. It was held at our newly opened Straits Quay. Many Penangites flocked to Straits Quay to show their support for Japan's recovery efforts. An amazing effort by by beloved state to help Japan. Even though the money collected will not be enough to rebuild the entire nation, I am happy that my Penang is doing much more than is expected from a small island of 1 million people.
I have read in several blog posts that really fired me up. I have seen many people calling the earthquakes and the tsunamis in Japan RETRIBUTION and KARMA for what Japan has done in the past to many Asian countries. Some have also gone too far by saying that we shouldn't donate money to Japan because they are so wealthy and flaunt their wealth each year by loaning out billions to other nations.
ARE YOU PEOPLE SICK?
Try imagining if YOUR nation falls to the wrath of Mother Nature. IMAGINE for one second. IMAGINE what you would do and expect others to do for you if your country were to fall to such an enormous force of nature. Just imagine.
Sometimes when you speak of a tragedy, it is best to analyze your words before speaking out loud. No one deserves the disaster that hit Japan. No country should ever suffer such a force. If Japan has to suffer for their past, then am I only being logical to suggest the UK deserves it too? Hey, they weren't exactly nice to many countries as well. At a time like this, it is best to focus on what makes us human and share our resources to aid those in need instead of dwelling in the past and telling them they deserved it.
On another note, it took a major disaster in Japan for people to unite (or pretend to unite) and help. This makes me wonder, what about Africa? Thousands of children die each day in Africa due to the lack of a steady food source and clean water. They also need shelter and proper treatment for diseases. Why is it that it took an earthquake and a killer tsunami for people to help Japan now when all along, the people in Africa are suffering?
We call ourselves charitable and say we have humanity. Can we still call ourselves that when we come to realize that all along we have neglected those in need in Africa? How many of you have done your part to help Africa? I sure haven't. I know. That's why I am writing this. I came to realize that helping Japan does not make me any better than everyone.
I have been considering this for years now and I think I am more sure than ever. I will volunteer for UNICEF to try and make up for being naive and help those in need. To also be fair to myself and to my parents, I will first complete my studies and get a steady job before doing so.
I shall leave my post here. Gotta get to class. Till next time, goodbye!
eIVANne
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