PressEthic

On October 24, 2006, the New York Times wrote an article about the oil wealth of the Sudan despite the fact that the genocide in Darfur was occurring. It said that even though Sudan was rich the wealth had not been properly distributed among the population (what country does, by the way). There is a picture on the front of the paper below the fold of three Sudanese women eating ice cream in a posh eatery 600 miles away. The caption of the picture reads "As one of the world's worst atrocities unfolds in Darfur, some 600 miles to the west, young women enjoy the good life at the Ozone Cafe' in Khartoum, Sudan's capital, including ice cream and outdoor air-conditioning." This picture and caption reminds me of the fact that America just like any other country would positions itself in the best light in every situation. This photo and caption gives the underlying picture that these women are somehow at fault because they are eating ice cream and enjoying life while others are perishing 600 miles away. The same could be said for us right here in America as there are homeless people on the street sleeping the cold while we sleep in nice apartments with heat. To put the responsibility of the issue back in the hands of the people of Sudan as though they are the only ones who hold the responsibility makes me wonder why we are justified in being in Iraq solving the humanitarian issues they face. What makes one more important than the other. While I appreciate the article in its totality for representing Africa in a light of wealth, it still sends a very sarcastic message to readers. I feel as though when reading the article, the average person would wonder why they should help when Sudanese 600 miles away are enjoying life and its freedoms. To compare what the United States or any of the super powers could do to what the Sudan should or can do is absurd. The numbers themselves do not make it just Sudan's problem but I feel as though the utterance of 450,000 people is dehumanizing- it must be because the UN is still waiting patiently for Sudan to open its doors while thousands of Africans are being exterminated by Arab terrorists. What is so different between Iraq and the Sudan? And why is it that the New York Times would even insinuate that these women in Sudan should feel guilty about their luck? Usually, I see articles and news broadcasts of Africa's starving children, the AIDS population or hunters in the Sahara running around naked. These images are so misleading about the continent because there are people and cities in Africa richer than places in America. The average American has no knowledge of this because it isn't shared therefore when an article is written that does display a refreshing view of wealth it is juxtaposed with guilt.