In a recent Marie Claire, September 2009 issue, they had a story covering the abduction of Clara Rojas, who was taking in the middle of the day and was held prisoner for six years in a Colombian jungle. During this time, Rojas had gotten pregnant but had her baby boy taken away from her when he was just eight months old. This article talks about her time in the jungle and how she is doing with her life back in order today. The FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia) did absolutely barbaric and brutally disgusting things to these prisoners during their captivity, that I honestly wonder why there is not more people trying to help save the prisoners that are still being held against their will. The FARC kidnaps "high-profile" citizens to use as "bargaining chips" to get things in exchange from the Colombian government. Rojas tells reporter Catherine Castro about some of the tragic happenings that went on during her six years in captivity and how she came out still such a strong role model.
After reading Aristotle's Poetics and the article on Nightmare in the Jungle, I saw things that I normally would have not seen had I just read it like a normal, every day article. Aristotle points out that "Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude..." (Poetics, pg. 2). This article is composed of both a tragedy and a success. However, when focusing on the "tragedy" part of this story, Aristotle has it exactly correct. This specific tragedy was and still is an extremely serious matter, that the FARC are completing with an enormous magnitude. This so-called "imitation" is being deliverd with a precise degree that is both being actually successful and a failure. Aristotle also shows that "Character is that which reveals moral purpose, showing what kind of things a man chooses or avoids" (Poetics, pg. 3). In this article, it is clear that Clara Rojas never dismisses her morals and shows what kind of true character she is in this particular real life story by choosing to take care of herself through out her kidnapping and keep her head high with believing that she will come out alive and once again see her baby boy. This article and the article from Aristotle showed me that there are certain things that make something so in depth and discrete to look for and acknowledge when reading and listening to stories.
Monday, September 14, 2009
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How does the FARC hold and torture prisoners? Why is the American general public unaware of these events? (Or in general, how can anyone be so ignorant)?
ReplyDeleteIn the 3rd page of Aristotle’s Poetics it reads, “The true difference [between historian and poet] is that one relates what has happened, the other what may happen. Poetry, therefore, is a more philosophical and a higher thing than history: for poetry tends to express the universal, history the particular.”
Poetry (as with any form of art) delivers messages across cultural, national and physical boundaries. No matter where you’re from or what your life is like, art is a universal truth--it speaks to the individual about the human condition. Why are pictures in National Geographic, for example, so captivating? And why are documentaries so effective at stirring emotions or raising awareness for a cause? Through art, an audience may realize that “This could happen to me,” and feel empathy for people around the world.
History, on the other hand, can be misinterpreted, one-sided, and/or subject to political agenda. It is difficult for an individual to read a simple report of a historical event, identify with the people, and feel the need to get involved in a cause. The challenge (and responsibility) then is to take these rather indigestible historical events (such as those in Nightmare in the Jungle) and turn them into art so that the public can gnaw on them and be humbled into action.
I completely agree with your post. I can't believe that humans have it in them to torture someone it such horrific ways. How many others are still being held?
ReplyDeleteAnother part of the Aristotle article that reminded me of something in this post were the lines about how real tragedy happens not to unfortunate people but more so by chance. These people that are being taken by the FARC are being taken simply because they have a name that is recognized, maybe.
If only America could do something to help these people that truly need and want the help!