From the Darkness Comes Light

From the Darkness Comes Light;
Disaster and Loss as an Opportunity to Cooperate and Improve

It is a fact of life that there are many different groups, whether they are social, political, racial, or cultural, that are constantly arguing and disagreeing with each other. It would be naive to think that peace and cooperation can come naturally in the world as it currently is. Although, there is one time that everyone works together regardless of their status or beliefs, which is in times of danger and loss. During wars, natural disasters, famines, or other negative situations, come the people and partnership that is desired during times of peace. 

Manharain, Bahrtan. "Protesters Weep as Shots are Fired." Open Society 

     Foundation. N.p., 4 Sept. 2013. Web. 8 June 2015. 

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This photograph of protesters in Syria shows how all kinds of people from different backgrounds joined together for a common goal. The people are gathered around a protester that had been shot during a peaceful gathering. These people in normal times would have little to do with each other, but with the common goal of rising up against the abusive government, they have all become tight together. The way that they have all formed a close circle represents that they no longer separated by their way of life. It was only this event that could have brought together opposing factions; Christians and Muslims, Arabs, Africans, and Europeans etc.
Notice that all the protesters are gathered around the person in the center, showing how they are all working together and moving toward the same goal. Not only that, but the colour and contrast of the photo show how the middle is a brighter place, and the outside, the past where the people come from is darker and worse. The focal point of the center where everyone gathers can only be achieved because they are moving toward a negative thing.

Norman, Candice. "Field Hospital in Northern Tibet Helps Thousands." CBC. N.p., 
     21 Apr. 2015. Web. 8 June 2015.
     2015/200702747_tibet.jpeg>

The second photo shows a disaster relief crew working in Tibet after the earthquake earlier this year. Doctors and nurses from all around the world volunteered to help the people after the disaster. There was also billions of dollars of donations from around the world within days of the quake. However, this kind of effort would be completely out of place had there not been a natural disaster. Before the quake there were thousands of homeless and starving in Tibet that received little help from the rest of the world, and to go a step further there are hundreds of thousands of homeless in the countries the relief came from. Although it benefits the victims, is it not phony that the relief only comes after an earthquake, and not everyday when people need it just as much?
Not only are the yellow-shirted people from the relief crew helping, but many residents of Tibet that aren't injured are helping. These people that have no connection whatsoever are working together and uniting with a common goal.

Shaukat, Aroosa. "Egyptian Christians Protect Praying Muslims." Al Jazeera. Al 
     Jazeera News Organization, 14 July. 2013. Web. 8 June 2015. 
     
     20070228_vm_jakarta.jpg>. 

This photo was taken in 2013 during the civil uprising in Egypt. During a time when war raged in the streets, a group of Christians surrounded an inner city mosque to protect it's praying inhabitants. Since people of the Muslim faith must pray multiple times a day, their human barrier could not be continued at noon. People who would normally be opposed to the Muslims came together to allow them to practice their faith in a time of need. If these people are willing and capable of behaving in such a way, why is it not commonplace in a peaceful society? Surely if they can be so tolerant in a war zone they can do it in everyday life.
An obvious point of interest in this photo is how all the men are holding hands. Some know each other from the church, but others are just bystanders on the street who saw what needed to be done and did it. They are uniting and forming a chain to get in the way of those that would do harm, even if it would be to people that they have disagreement with.

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Holloway, Anderson. You Give Him Wings! 27 Aug. 1940. Pinterest. Web. 8 June 

     2015. . 

My fourth text is an American propaganda poster from World War 2. It was created in a time of need for the Allies in the war. The first way this connects is that the Americans joined the Allies. If not for the bombing of pearl harbor, it is likely the Americans would have been reluctant to join the war. If the thousands of people had not been killed and millions of dollars of equipment destroyed, millions more would have died in Europe before the Americans had arrived. Not only this, but the poster was created in the great depression, the worst economic downturn in human history. The need for everyone to work, everyone to contribute drove the economy from the gutter back to a high point the likes of which would not be seen again. The Americans involvement in the second great war meant hundreds of thousands of deaths, but the disaster and negative effects were necessary to save their economy, as well as many times more deaths of others.
The colours and general attitude of the poster show the war in a positive light. Even though many young men fought and died, they are still showing there is light and positive energy to be had. Finally, it is notable that it says 'You give him wings', because it is showing that the reader has power. The pilot is clearly made out to be a hero, but he can't be without help from everyone at home.

These texts are proof that loss, misfortune, and negative events can be the necessary push for people to do the good they have always been capable of. Whether it is conflict, humanitarian disasters, or a common enemy, the best way for people to overcome issues and cooperate is a negative source.