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February 2005                                                                            Volume 8 - Number 1

Perspectives...

Remembering Disasters

By Rachel Tardiff

America’s Reaction to the Tsunami in Asia and East Africa

By Rebecca Updike

The December 26, 2004 earthquake under the Indian Ocean caused a deadly tsunami to crash down on several countries from Asia to East Africa. The death totals are now well over one hundred thousand people. In addition to the high death toll, there was great devastation and total destruction of many of the costal areas in these countries. Survivors were left homeless with none of the supplies needed to maintain daily life.

It is a natural human instinct to want to help those affected by tragedy. According to the American Red Cross, within three days of the tsunami the American public donated 18 million dollars for the relief efforts and the numbers have grown daily. Currently the United States private sector (citizen and corporate) has donated over 360 million dollars to the relief efforts. Donations are expected to reach upwards of 700 million when all fund raising is completed.

Though most Americans were not physically affected by the devastation of the tsunami, the disaster had a profound emotional impact on the American public. The disaster has been the top news story on TV and radio, and has been on the front page of most American print media. Despite the fact that there have been disasters throughout history that have caused greater or equal property damage and loss of life than the tsunami, the American people have been consumed by the incident. I believe there are a couple reasons for impact on the United States citizens.

First, much of the initial phases of the incident were captured on tape. Americans could see the horror the victims faced only hours after the initial incident took place. Tapes poured into newscasters and horrible images were replayed countless times for several weeks. This 24 hour coverage heightened American emotional reactions and caused many ordinary citizens to want to help. The tsunami coverage ranged from scientific breakdown of the event, to personal stories of horrible grief and loss. When you see the effects of the tsunami it is a reality and not just a story you read about. A natural disaster is something that does not choose its victims; they are random and could happen anywhere and to anyone. These thoughts compounded the size and visual devastation of the tsunami led to overwhelming feelings of grief for the victims.

Second, while the tsunami was a devastating event, it diverted American attention from Iraq. In a sense, it gave the American people something else to focus on besides a highly contested, costly war. During the war coverage, every political angle, every American death and every new development was broadcast, causing increased tension from different political factions. When our soldiers die in combat it is hard for some Americans to feel anything but anger towards the government for another unnecessary death. Americans who support the war are constantly defending their view that the American deaths are for a greater cause in the long-term. Overall, the constant war media coverage leaves many Americans feeling hopeless and depressed that there is nothing we can do to help. Relief efforts are a way to help victims of an unexpected tragedy. Though the media continued to show pictures of the devastated areas, there was a feeling of hope that with money, food or other donations we could help.

It is the opinion of this author that aside from human nature to help those who can not help themselves, the tsunami was a place for Americans to focus their energy towards an all around good cause. The tsunami relief efforts pose no governmental influence and that within itself is a relief for many.

Sources:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/censusandstatistics/a/americansgive.htm

http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/tsunami/private.htm