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posted by Sybil Vane
I heard a devastating statistic on NPR yesterday. 10 days after the 2004 Asia Tsunami, internet donations totaled $7 million. 10 days after the Myanmar cyclone, $620,000.
I think there are a few reasons for this. One is timing: the 2004 tsunami happened the day after Christmas, when people are more likely to be in a generous spirit than at the onset of summer. Another is racism: the tsunami impacted areas that westerners frequent on vacation, and the news footage often showed American and Europeans running from water (I was one of them).
But I think the biggest reason might be the extent to which media coverage of the cyclone has emphasized the military government's disallowal of aid workers in and aid shipments. People don't give because they think it is futile.
I'm sure this is true of a lot of organizations, but AmeriCares is on the ground distributing aid in Myanmar. It's just one example, you can find your own or leave it in the comments if you'd prefer to give to another organization. Please do give, though. Maybe you have leftover stimulus money? I gave all the money I received for graduation, because I cannot think of a more honorable product of higher education than a heightened sense of one's global responsibility.
I think there are a few reasons for this. One is timing: the 2004 tsunami happened the day after Christmas, when people are more likely to be in a generous spirit than at the onset of summer. Another is racism: the tsunami impacted areas that westerners frequent on vacation, and the news footage often showed American and Europeans running from water (I was one of them).
But I think the biggest reason might be the extent to which media coverage of the cyclone has emphasized the military government's disallowal of aid workers in and aid shipments. People don't give because they think it is futile.
I'm sure this is true of a lot of organizations, but AmeriCares is on the ground distributing aid in Myanmar. It's just one example, you can find your own or leave it in the comments if you'd prefer to give to another organization. Please do give, though. Maybe you have leftover stimulus money? I gave all the money I received for graduation, because I cannot think of a more honorable product of higher education than a heightened sense of one's global responsibility.
Labels: Myanmar








