{until tomorrow .

@11:58 AM

Blood Diamond.

Initially I thought its a movie i wouldn't be interested in. Politics, racism, slavery, war, violent. Too GP for my liking. But after i watched it, yes, its very political, but nothing on racism or slavery. Its exactly what the title is all about - Blood and Diamond. I like how the story is presented, the way the movie flows and how the facts hit me.

Honestly, Solomon Vandy is supposed to be the good man in the movie. But isn't he selfish too? He traded the pink diamond for the money and his family. But is he in the wrong? He just wants his family to be reunited and safe, to have a good life, away from the bloodshed, away from Africa. No one is good or bad, its the things they do that makes them good or bad. And sometimes in life, we don't have a choice.

I knew i will cry when Solomon reunite with his family in the refugee camp. It was as if i knew what will happen, i was expecting it to happen and i was mentally prepared, yet when that scene appeared on screen, i just cried uncontrollably.

Yes, we all know. We all KNOW that people out there are living in poverty. Millions are homeless because of civil strife. Children are forced to become child soldiers, made to do unthinkable things, robbed of their childhood. We all KNOW that millions die in Africa everyday, be it of starvation, sickness or war. The rebels go from village to village, killing everyone in sight, rape the women, haul the men off to join them, the entire village is left littered with dead bodies. Children in the army are given guns and drugs, and brainwashed. They turn against their families. Everyone is making use of everyone. The powerful wants to stay in power until they earn enough to leave the continent to enjoy their remaining days, without giving a damn to whoever that died for their selfish aims. We KNOW that millions of Africans are trapped in refugee camps, waiting for peace to return, so that they can go back to work on their fields, fish for food and for some lucky children, walk 5 km everyday just to learn english.

The goverment are slaves to the diamond industry, controlled by the businessmen. The rebels hate their government, they think they are right to overthrow the government, but what difference will it make if they were to become the government? T.I.A

How many people will actually stop buying diamonds after watching this movie? How many will even hesitate for a second before they buy a diamond ring? How successful will "The Kimberly Process" be?

The answers are too obvious and sad.

So, since now that we all KNOW their plight. What is the world doing about it? Does it even bother us? Do we even care?

Lets not put it at a "we" level first. I should talk about myself first. What difference does this movie make in my life? What am i going to do about it? I KNOW that every single effort, no matter how tiny it is, can make an impact. But will i make that effort? How many people will i talk to regarding blood diamonds? Will i reject a diamond from my parents/husband/relatives/friends when i receive one? Do i even care about the origin of that diamond? Yes, maybe this movie will affect me a day or two, but after that, I am just like most selfish human who don't give a damn.

I've studied. I've read. I've seen. I've heard. Have I cared?

Shame on me.

{until tomorrow}