Hotel Rwanda reflection

I have watched "Hotel Rwanda" 4 times in the last week as I have been preparing for class and viewing it in all my English sections. One might think that such excessive exposure to images of dead bodies lining the street or children being massacred might make me more numb to the situation or might reduce the movie's emotional impact. However, I have found quite the opposite to be true. Every single time I watch the movie, I am moved. I am struck by how low humanity can stoop and by how oblivious I am to suffering around me. Each time I view the atrocities that occurred in Rwanda, I am convicted that I need to become more aware of oppression in the world. I am not sure what all I can do to helpin each situation, but at the very least I can learn about the powerless in the world. Only by seeking understanding and showing compassion can I help those who are suffering. But how do I find the time to be an informed global citizen? What is the extent of my obligation?

I am a firm believer that God has blessed me in many ways, and with my blessings come responsibilities. The Bible calls us to protect the needy and serve those who are suffering. According to this, I have an obligation to act for people in need. I need to se the resources God has given me for the good of those he loves.

Last week, I met with some teachers to discuss the book A Thousand Splendid Suns. Like "Hotel Rwanda," this book reveals hardships in the world that have gone unnoticed (specifically this text focuses on the repression of women in modern day Afghanistan). While the plots and the situations differed greatly between these two texts, their impacts on me were the same. After viewing each text I was left with a desire to do something. However, each text also showed me the need to not act hastily-- to understand the situations and know what support would be most beneficial. In other words, a superficial understanding of a scenario might lead me to act in ways that might be conterproductive. However, by taking the time to really investigate a situation and consider possible solutions, I can make a difference.

I pray that God can use me to make a difference and help protect his children.

Delayed Response

Here are a few of the books I have been reading since the last time I posted.

The first one, Extremely Loud Incredibly Close, is about a boy whose father died in September 11. This was the second time I read this book. It is a poignant story that makes me cry every time. First of all, I think that Foer handles an emotional topic very well. The characters he creates are both appealing and interesting. I love the way Foer weaves together a story from multiple viewpoints. It is also interesting the way that he uses images in conjuntion with words. Foer includes photographs and graphics throughout the book. Creative and unique, this book was very hard to put down. I couldn't stop reading (even when I knew what was going to happen next!). I highly recommend this book.

The second book pictured above is another repeat read for me. This was the third time I read the graphic novel American Born Chinese. There is so much in it! The book is about a boy who is ethnically Chinese growing up in America and it focuses on identity issues. It has a lot to think about in it. I like the way that Yang pulls together numerous plot lines. I'm not sure I agree with many of his points, but it is a book that makes you contemplate a lot of issues. I would recommend this book- particularly to graphic novel fans or those interested in multicultural issues.

The third book above is The Pull of the Ocean. I read this book for a teacher book club. It is technically a children's book (though I would call it adolescent literature instead). It was originally written in French. It is a captivating tale of brothers who run away from home. I lvoe the way that this story is written. It is written from many perspectives which are pieced together into one coherant tale. The characters are interesting and likeable. I became invested in each one of them as their journey continued. The plot flowed steadily and the book was an easy fun read. I would recommend this book as well.

In sum: three good books. Three texts worth reading.