In a world that is perpetually enmeshed in a multitude of crises and predicaments, where we claim to stand for human rights and equality, it seems that the societal lens through which we view these issues is grossly unequal. This has been demonstrated in a recent chain of events where five affluent individuals vanished in a submarine and the world mobilized in their search, while, in the same breath, 750 refugees remained in peril at sea, yet the world remained, chillingly, indifferent. It is these contrasting responses that force us to ask: what kind of society are we living in?

First, it is important to understand the driving forces behind this selective attention. Wealth, power, and influence undeniably shape the narratives that dominate our global consciousness. Sadly it’s always the case.  The plight of the five wealthy individuals was immediately propelled to the forefront of public attention. (remember when the Notre-Dame burned and how fast it was rebuilt) Broadcasts, news articles, and social media posts flooded our feeds, all underlining the urgency of their plight. And yet, the refugee crisis, a human tragedy on a vastly larger scale, was relegated to the peripheries of our collective attention.

The reality is, we live in a society that is inherently biased towards wealth and status. How sad is that?  When those with resources and influence find themselves in precarious situations, our systems react promptly and decisively. We are drawn to the sensational, the extraordinary, and the rare. It’s a narrative that sells, captivates audiences, that keeps people engaged. But in doing so, it distracts us from ongoing, systemic issues – those that affect hundreds, thousands, or even millions of individuals.

On the other hand, the situation of the 750 refugees in peril at sea,  (not 500) while no less tragic, has become a normalized narrative.  A bit like mass shootings in the USA sadly! News of their struggle is not novel; it is an ongoing crisis that has, unfortunately, become a regular part of our daily news consumption. This desensitization towards the refugee crisis reflects a broader societal apathy towards issues that seem too immense and too complex to tackle.

This dichotomy also highlights an uncomfortable truth about the value we place on human lives. The societal response to these events implies a distressing hierarchy of worth, where a handful of affluent individuals apparently warrant more concern than hundreds of desperate refugees.

What kind of society would permit such a paradigm? The answer is one marked by inequality, apathy, and an imbalanced distribution of empathy. However, it is also one that possesses the potential for change.

For starters at least, we must confront our collective biases and engage with these complex, systemic issues in meaningful ways. By acknowledging the imbalances in our societal lens, we can begin to shift our focus, reassess our priorities, and create a more balanced, empathetic narrative.

 The media can play a transformative role in shaping this narrative. Being a freelance journalist myself, I understand why they do it. But still do not understand why if you get my meaning.  I’m at loggerheads with myself! 

 By presenting the plight of the marginalized and the affluent in an equitable light, it can help to humanize the struggles of the less privileged and break down the dehumanizing stereotypes often associated with refugees.

 We must advocate for policy change. Our governments and institutions must respond to these crises not based on the wealth or status of the individuals involved, but on the principles of human dignity, empathy, and fairness. Do we think this will happen? Hmmm, One can but hope. 

While the disparity in responses to these recent events paints a bleak picture of our current society, it also presents an opportunity for introspection and change. By acknowledging our biases and working actively to overcome them, we can strive towards a society where every life is valued equally, regardless of wealth or status. It’s a massive undertaking, but one that could redefine the very fabric of our societal values for the better. Would be lovely if we could just do it!