THE BIG PICTURE: It Takes a Village Tuesday, March 22, 2011 By Editor Pauline Santos - Advertising Every time I go online to read news articles, I like to scroll down and read the comments other people have left. It’s a good reflection of what people are really thinking, don’t you think? It gives people a way to voice their opinions, but without having to show their face. Because of this, I always see nonsensical, rude, and downright ridiculous comments, usually against one’s religion, race, or gender. People are always having to point their fingers at someone or something, whether it be God, Obama, or global warming. Lately, however, with the tragedy that has befallen Japan as a result of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that resulted, people have really pulled together to provide aid and words of comfort to those in Japan. I’ve read comments filled with sympathy from one stranger to another. Donations for the distressed country sprung up almost instantly after the disaster. Tens of thousands of people on Yahoo! have already donated millions of dollars towards Japan’s relief efforts. Even celebrities are pulling their weight. You can find the quote “We Pray For Japan” written in both English and Japanese on white rubber bracelets designed by Lady Gaga. The bracelets are on sale for $5 on Lady Gaga’s website, and the money goes towards aiding Japan. Blink 182 is auctioning off a variety of rare collectibles, including original lyric sheets which were handwritten. Sandra Bullock flat out gave $1 million to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts. Such displays of alliance really make me -- for once in a long time -- proud of humanity. The fact that we can actually come together to help a country in need despite our differences is amazing and inspiring, and I wish the world would show this companionship more. Gestures like these were seen during the problems that hit Katrina, Haiti, and Chile, but it seems as though it has to take a tragic disaster to wake people up and make them realize the need to unite for a common cause. Why wait for a disaster of this caliber to open our eyes? Why not treat each other like our brothers and sisters every day, instead of bickering over religion and discriminating each other? The people in Japan are working together so that their healing process can begin, and I think we can learn a thing or two from them. I commend Japan for their courage and hard work, and hopefully they will be able to see the light again soon.

Back to the articles list