As Syria pops up into the news again, I can't help but think of all the stories ripped wide open, then left untold. As newer, more current events emerge, news sources move on, and so do their followers. There's no closure, no continuation.
Early in 2011, newspapers were completely overtaken by stories about democratic unrest in the Arab world. Everyone was transfixed as they waited in anticipation to see how events would unfold in areas such as Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya. Although many are familiar with how these situations began, most couldn't give a synopsis on their situations currently.
Perhaps part of the problem is repetition. What to some seems like history unfolding before our eyes is to others the same story being retold under a different name. But when the news sources move on, and people cease to care, are we really standing up for democracy? As citizens who take pride in our democratic nation, we should make it a priority to support others striving for a similar end. I can't help but wonder if their chances of success are diminished by a lack of global attention, as it lessens pressure on dictatorial and brutal leaders to cease their unjust actions. This is not a question of whether Western countries should be taking concrete action to "assist," as that is an entirely different issue. It is merely a commentary on coverage of international news, and how we need to work to reduce our collective ignorance.
Globe and Mail Editorial Cartoon - June 2011
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