We find it unsettling that in the wake of an enormously destructive earthquake in Chile last Saturday there has been at best a muted response from Canada, Canadians and the various aid groups normally heard from in these situations. It is in marked contrast to the outpouring of money, concern and rapid mobilization we saw in response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Why?
We know there are differences between the two, yet both nations are in extreme distress and require considerable assistance. Why do we favour one?
Is it as simple as the fact we have fewer connections to Chile? Or that the Haitian quake happened first and our charitable instincts are limited? Even the relative wealth or resources of a nation are hardly an excuse for ignoring the people in a time of need following such an overwhelming disaster. As disturbing as some of these explanations may be, even more disturbing is the idea that perhaps there's self interest, conscious or not, involved too.
Canada and Canadians will respond with incredible generosity when disaster strikes areas they like to visit and with which they have ties. We're noticeably less generous when similar disasters strike other areas, including earthquakes in Pakistan and Afghanistan, for example. We assist Russia, Mexico and the Caribbean, no problem, but Chile? Where's that? It is time to examine our motives.. Editorial: Times-Transcript...
