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Rachel Kahler's avatar

I've helped refugees from both Ethiopia and DRC obtain asylum. I'm aware of the multitude of conflicts that have caused and continue to cause incredible atrocities in Africa. I also remember when those conflicts WERE front and center - remember "We are the World" and the Suzanne Somers commercials. But we have collectively lost our give-a-sh**-unlesss-it's-me-or-mine as Americans. And I'm totally going to point fingers. We've been conditioned to worry about money more than people we don't know because it gives political power to people who benefit from division. It started with "welfare queens" (probably earlier than that, but I remember it) and has become "sh**hole countries." While Democrats are guilty of policies that don't address more global issues, Republicans are actively selling our souls for their profit.

This article, by the way, is a strange piece. Yes, we should care about Sudan for the reasons mentioned. But we should not be ascribing atrocities different values. What stands out in Gaza is that the US is playing an active role in causing the suffering and has long supported a government that has committed international crimes that have contributed to the current conflict. Ukraine stands out because if Russia wins, it won't stop. Ukraine is literally the last line of defense before WWIII. Even if Americans turn their eyes to Sudan, and they have the empathy to care anymore, what, exactly, can they do? We apparently no longer accept the huddled masses. They can send money to organizations to feed the hungry, but for many Americans, it's like screaming into the void. Other Americans will take this article to support their whataboutisms. (Also, to call the people who are against the Israel government for what they've done antisemitic is one of the tools the Republicans have used to shut up people who care about Palestinians. Don't try to legitimize that.)

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Joy's avatar

I appreciate the details and updates on Sudan, yet I find it problematic to position it against Ukraine and Gaza. I worked for an international policy group in 2008 during what I would consider a media trend for Sudan. Celebrities were giving to causes and speaking about it through our organization. And Ryan Gosling wore a Save Darfur shirt for a year. Other commenters have brought up compassion fatigue and an inability to limitlessly extend attention to all issues across the globe. Beyond what the article mentions about Americans caring about Ukraine and Israel for its impact on the US, it’s also true that both of these are a nation invading another (or Gaza/Palestinians deservedly should be considered a nation), not internal crisis which has also impacted Haiti and several South American counties. Gaza and Ukraine also represent a more recent escalation that feels like we can have more influence over the outcome given the right amount of pressure (but even as they go on we’re starting to see less hope and determination in bringing them to a satisfactory end.) Whereas the situation in Sudan has gone on and on even with international intervention, money, and attention were paid to it. I do care about Sudan. I will give to organizations attempting to bring aid. I do want to see international efforts to broker peace, and I want updates with what’s happening there. At the same time, I don’t think it’s fair to call out this tragedy in comparison to Gaza or Ukraine.

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