We Want Media

So, if you didn’t know, there’s been a crazy conflict going in the Sudanese region of Darfur since 2003. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone actually has never heard of this since the media --- correction…much of the American media has deemed the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Africans not newsworthy.

Well, I for one am glad that Google Earth, Google’s online mapping service, is paying attention to the genocide that is occurring at this very moment. Google, in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, has added new high-resolution aerial photographs of the Darfur area in addition to videos and testimonials. The pictures show destroyed villages, refugee camps and displaced people. It’s Google’s effort at raising awareness about this large issue.

As much as I’m excited for this new project, I’m also a bit skeptical. I mean, who seriously looks up Darfur on Google Earth? Perhaps with the news of the updates to this specific area, Google Earth’s 200 million users will chose to virtually fly over to Darfur and add a little information to their lives. Who knows, maybe their new found awareness will inspire them to help in the relief effort. Darfur, I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.