It was very interesting to learn about the Siege of Sarajevo from two very unique perspectives, especially since I'm very unfamiliar with the entire situation. I'm not entirely sure as to why I have yet to encounter this piece of history through my education, and I think it's a bit sad that no educator ever thought it pertinent to teach the story. I think this is one of the overarching themes in these stories though: the ability for society to know about devastation and simply ignore it. In both stories, The Cellist of Sarajevo and Welcome to Sarajevo, I was amazed by the power of art and creativity to inspire hope. Especially in the story of the Cellist, we see how the cellist's music is not only inspiration for others, but also a force against the occupation. Through their attempts to kill him it is as if they feel threatened by his presence. Since I don't completely understand the mentality of a siege (or war for that matter), I found it difficult to understand why the Serbs cared if one man played an instrument. However, I do understand how captors wish to break the psychological, emotional, and physical wills of their captives. In this instance, through seeking out the cellist, the Serbs are directly acknowledging the power that he has in inspiring others.
In Welcome to Sarajevo, we see a very different perspective of an outsider trying to survive in order to spread a message about what was going on. This story is different from the Cellist because in the Cellist we see the daily lives of several people who have no other options and are forced to survive in an atrocious setting. However, in the film, they are intentionally in Sarajevo trying to get the story out to the rest of the world. What I find fascinating in viewing this film is learning that there were journalists inside Sarajevo and that the real story was being told, yet no one did anything for so long.
I think what bothered me most in being exposed to the Siege of Sarajevo is why it took so long for anythign to happen. I think many Americans identify with the feeling that we are not the "world police," which ultimately I agree with. However, Americans as human beings do have an obligation to their fellow man to do whatever within their power for the greater good. It's fascinating (lack of a better word) that such a horrible event could have occurred so recently, and in fact there are many situations like this still occurring, some on a far worse scale. I think it's easy to talk about genocide and occupation in the context of 60+ years ago because it feels so far removed and it's much easier to say, "we would never let anything like that happen again." But the truth is, we haven't stopped allowing this behavior, we simply turn our heads as long as it's on a smaller scale and doesn't directly threaten our society.
Interesting post. I too wondered why the Siege lasted as long as it did with no foreign intervention.My best guess is Yugoslavia's close ties to communism had something to do with it. Although I do recall president Clinton sending troops to Kosovo for a similar intention whether that was to protect American interests or to actually help the people there I do not know.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that this event was not taught to you, or many students for that matter, is a foothold for us to "turn our heads" to genocide. The fact that most of the world is completely oblivious to what is being done to their fellow man is why we continue to see genocide in this world. The populace must be exposed to these "crimes to humanity" in order to 1. be grateful for what they have 2. know that not all people share their comfortable living situation 3. be aware that these transgressions must not be allow to persist in any form. There should be entire courses (much like this one) for students to take that sheds light on humanities dark past, present, and possible future. That said, we cannot introduce these truths to an underdeveloped mind, the immensity of it is too much to grasp. This creates a dilemma, requiring people to seek this knowledge in order to obtain it. Leaving most of the world's population once again in the dark.
ReplyDeleteYour question will always remain as an accusation to the world while four years went by and nothing was done.
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