Disaster burnout, donation fatigue

When the tsunami hit South and Southeast Asia last winter, student groups at IU-Bloomington raised awareness for the horrific tragedy and turned out their pockets for its victims. Many of the funds raised were sent to the Red Cross and other worthy humanitarian organizations. Again this fall, when the devastation of Hurricane Katrina became apparent, student groups played host to fund-raisers and benefits to contribute to disaster relief. \nHowever, as the death toll from the cataclysmic earthquake that struck South Asia more than two weeks ago is still rising toward 80,000, only one student fund-raiser has stepped up to ask IU students to do their part. \nStudents at IUB are suffering from a bad case of "disaster burnout." The trend is not unique to Bloomington or even America, as the Red Cross is encountering difficulties in raising funds from international sources as well. But we must continue cohesive efforts to help victims of horrible tragedies.\nA series of extreme natural disasters this year has brought visceral photographs of pain and suffering, and death counts are interminably on the rise. The students who worked hard to help the victims of the tsunami or Hurricane Katrina earlier this year might feel discouraged or frustrated. Some have stopped reading the newspaper, unwilling to read about another disaster that has rendered humans helpless against the force of nature. We're all tired and with good reason. But we can't give up.\nDiscouragement is normal when a society that prides itself on social consciencness faces the most thorough and biased brand of destruction -- natural disaster. But IU students and Bloomington residents must fight the apathy that has characterized the American response to the earthquake in Pakistan. As members of a society that treasures social responsibility and as citizens of a global society, Americans owe a debt to all victims, be they the products of crippling disasters in Southeast Asia, New Orleans or Pakistan. \nOur efforts have had an impact on the lives of those suffering from disasters. Funds donated last winter by students groups like the Global Village and the Student Alumni Association were used to purchase immediate necessities for tsunami victims and begin the long process of rebuilding communities. The money raised for Hurricane Katrina relief from musical benefits, the sale of Mardi Gras beads and direct donations is still helping to supply displaced families with food and shelter. \nWe must fight the discouragement and apathy that has characterized American response to the Pakistan earthquake. There could be another natural disaster next week or tomorrow. One could be happening right now. Will we let the victims of that earthquake, hurricane or deadly tidal wave cry out for help unheeded? \nIf we continue our trend of apathy, that is exactly what will happen. Indeed, thousands of Pakistanis are still stranded in the Himalayan foothills, desperate for food and shelter in the face of a bitter winter. \nWe cannot forget, even in the face of debilitating destruction, our responsibility as humans to help the victims of recent disasters. Those efforts are making, and will continue to make, a world of difference.