Just Watched the Movie Blood Diamond again and...
Discussion
- Mods - Please do not move to Tv & Film section as this topic doesnt have to do with movies, I was just using the movie Blood Diamond as an example for my topic. thank you. **
) and I couldnt help but to be disturbed by the theme of the movie. For those of you who may not have seen the movie or know the plot dont worry as the topic that follows has to do with the problems in Africa not to be confused with a review or opinion of the movie. But the theme of the movie has to do with the ever present violence in Africa (i think africa) shed over the millionaire dollar business generated from the export of diamonds unearthed in that region and sent around the globe to the highest bidder. It comes as no surprise then that the majority of these diamons find themselves on American soil, the reason of course being that the U.S. is the largest buyer of diamonds and other rare gems. Does anyone know if the theme of the movie is based on true events? Does the sort of unspeakable horrors actually happen on a daily basis in that region? Horrors such as the heartless mass mutilation and killing of small villages whos populace consists of completely innocent people just trying to sustain in subhuman conditions. Horrors such as the kidnapping, brain washing of forced ideologies into the minds of children as well as weapons training with the intentions of creating mindless killers out of children. And then there are the squirmish images of the remnants and aftermath of a calcuated assault on villages whereby the rebels will cut the hands and arms off of anyone who resists their ideologies or who do not care either way and have the misfortune of being caught up amongst the violence.
Does anyone know if this is something that really happens? If so, I am overwhelmed with sadness and anger. It makes me wish I had enough money where I didnt have to worry about working and could concentrate on donating my money as well as involvement in issues such as this. I think I remember reading somewhere that Brad Pitt and George Clooney were helping the cause of some violence or another in Africa.
We are all aware of countless monstrosities happening all over the world as well as in our own countries similar to the above and in some cases worse, but as a culture immsersed in our own daily lives and issues those of us who do not have the resources to help in matters beyond volunteering at a local soup kitchen or throwing a few mediocre dollars every month to the local ASPCA or Cancer Association we as a culture turn our heads to the horrendous problems of our brothers and sisters. But it is not necessarily our fault, I am sure that most of us would help more if we could and would love to make a real difference in the world but again, it is not feasible due to the limitations on our lives as regular working people.
You could say 'thats life' or 'we have our own problems to tend to here in our own country, let their government deal with it', or one could argue that the situation in Africa is a lost cause that has been plagued with violence and disease for as far back as anyone could remember and any help is a futile. I agree and disagree.
I am just saying that sometimes when we are struck with the reality of situations such as the ones above, it is hard to not feel guilty, or hard to not feel bad about getting into your $40,000 Mercedes Benz and driving to your beautiful 3,000 square foot home to greet your well fed and well looked after family. A wife who raises your children, children who will grow up with a top notch education when compared to other countries and have a whole world of opportunity at their disposal. Sure we could sit here and argue that our lives arent all roses and peaches and that real opportunity is on the verge of shrinking and the future of our country and thus the future state of our childrens well being are looking bleak and more restrictive than that of our parents generation, but no one can sit there behind their computer and say that our situation is any where near as dier and bleak as the one these people face everyday.
I can hear some of you now wanting to press me and call me out. "well mr noblility, what do you intend to do about it? are you going to quit your job and go over seas to face the problem head on, maybe volunteer at some refugee camp!?!"
My answer to that of course is NO, I am not. How could I without completely untangling the web of my life I have worked 30 years to weave.
This is not the point of course. I am not judging us or trying to say we should all be ashamed of ourselves for not 'caring'. I just wanted to start this thread to see if anyone knows more about this sort of thing and maybe have done something more than donate money, or if this sort of thing really doest exist? And to hear your opinions of the matter, how does it affect you, if at all?
--ESOG
Doesn't effect me. Not anymore. I used to worry and fret about Africa. But I've seen very little from that continent over the 30 years that makes me think there's anything that can be done by us outside of it.
I've now developed the attitude that we should just seal the borders and let them get on with it. I can't help but think that Africa needs to 'mature' and the people, the normal people, need civil uprisings to overthrow those in power and install and develop democracy.
In a nutshell, nothing has improved in the last 30 years, it seems to have been a steady downward spiral across the continent. I can't see anything improving in my lifetime.
So f
k 'em, let them sort themselves out.
I've now developed the attitude that we should just seal the borders and let them get on with it. I can't help but think that Africa needs to 'mature' and the people, the normal people, need civil uprisings to overthrow those in power and install and develop democracy.
In a nutshell, nothing has improved in the last 30 years, it seems to have been a steady downward spiral across the continent. I can't see anything improving in my lifetime.
So f
k 'em, let them sort themselves out.
Don't know why I bothered anwering, no-one will read it in the TV,Film and Radio forum Call the topic "the blood diamond trade" and it would've stayed. Call it "I've just watched a film" and then in the first proper sentence comment on how hot an actress is, and marvel at how a mod moves it 
Anyway, OP, if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. And other platitudes.
Anyway, OP, if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. And other platitudes.
I have worked for all I have, never stolen or cheated anyone for anything I own. I refuse to feel the least bit guilty about it.
Leonardo DiCaprio seemed wrong for that role. As accomplished an actor as he is, I just wasn't convinced. Jennifer Connelly also looked better when she wasn't anorexic. Watch her in "Career Opportunities" and I think you will agree.
Leonardo DiCaprio seemed wrong for that role. As accomplished an actor as he is, I just wasn't convinced. Jennifer Connelly also looked better when she wasn't anorexic. Watch her in "Career Opportunities" and I think you will agree.
Piersman2 said:
I've now developed the attitude that we should just seal the borders and let them get on with it. I can't help but think that Africa needs to 'mature' and the people, the normal people, need civil uprisings to overthrow those in power and install and develop democracy.
I don't have the years of experience of Africa that you speak of, but need I remind you that the Developed world relies on Africa for resources, so sealing the borders would do little to help us or them.
Otherwise I agree with your 'growing pains' type comment. What has happened recently in North Africa and the Middle East (Libya, Syria, Egypt, etc) may well spread through Western Africa (Nigeria remains deeply troubled anyway, but Angola and the Republic of Congo are more settled but have seen minor uprisings in recent months - quickly quashed by those in power - which may escalate next year with elections on the way). It's sad to go there and see such potential from these countries - vast wealth from minerals, oil, etc, superb fertile land for farming (in some areas and regions) but opportunities being squandered time and again and just a handful of people benefiting from the countries resources.
NewNameNeeded said:
I don't have the years of experience of Africa that you speak of, but need I remind you that the Developed world relies on Africa for resources, so sealing the borders would do little to help us or them.
Otherwise I agree with your 'growing pains' type comment. What has happened recently in North Africa and the Middle East (Libya, Syria, Egypt, etc) may well spread through Western Africa (Nigeria remains deeply troubled anyway, but Angola and the Republic of Congo are more settled but have seen minor uprisings in recent months - quickly quashed by those in power - which may escalate next year with elections on the way). It's sad to go there and see such potential from these countries - vast wealth from minerals, oil, etc, superb fertile land for farming (in some areas and regions) but opportunities being squandered time and again and just a handful of people benefiting from the countries resources.
Spot on, also not helped by the first world propping up those same corrupt African rulers who do their bidding. To the OP the stuff in the movie happens so often on the continent it's not a big deal any more. That's how bad it gets every now and again.Otherwise I agree with your 'growing pains' type comment. What has happened recently in North Africa and the Middle East (Libya, Syria, Egypt, etc) may well spread through Western Africa (Nigeria remains deeply troubled anyway, but Angola and the Republic of Congo are more settled but have seen minor uprisings in recent months - quickly quashed by those in power - which may escalate next year with elections on the way). It's sad to go there and see such potential from these countries - vast wealth from minerals, oil, etc, superb fertile land for farming (in some areas and regions) but opportunities being squandered time and again and just a handful of people benefiting from the countries resources.
Piersman2 said:
Doesn't effect me. Not anymore. I used to worry and fret about Africa. But I've seen very little from that continent over the 30 years that makes me think there's anything that can be done by us outside of it.
I've now developed the attitude that we should just seal the borders and let them get on with it. I can't help but think that Africa needs to 'mature' and the people, the normal people, need civil uprisings to overthrow those in power and install and develop democracy.
In a nutshell, nothing has improved in the last 30 years, it seems to have been a steady downward spiral across the continent. I can't see anything improving in my lifetime.
So fk 'em, let them sort themselves out.
I suppose I agree with your attitude towards the problem. I've heard comments like this in regards to Africa before. It really does seem like a lost cause. However the recruitment and brainwashing of innocent children before they ever have a chance to make their own decisions I feel is very sad and deeply despairing. They need protection and a safe haven to be allowed to grow into adults with the freedom to be their own man.I've now developed the attitude that we should just seal the borders and let them get on with it. I can't help but think that Africa needs to 'mature' and the people, the normal people, need civil uprisings to overthrow those in power and install and develop democracy.
In a nutshell, nothing has improved in the last 30 years, it seems to have been a steady downward spiral across the continent. I can't see anything improving in my lifetime.
So f
k 'em, let them sort themselves out.Gassing Station | TV, Film, Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff