Our World Can Be Cruel: Crisis in Darfur

Hello, faithful flock. As you might have guessed from the title of this blog, my mission is simple and important. I want to bring the world of entertainment, politics and art together in one place. I want intellectuals and heat-seekers alike to get something from what I have to say. That having been said, I want to reflect the realities of our world. A world that can be so cool, magical, beautiful, majestic... And yet a world that can be so cruel and full of horrific, evil, frightening, traumatic, disgusting events and images (thus the name: Cool Cruel World). That is my goal, and that is my promise to you. So let's discuss.

For those of you who are unaware, there is a serious crisis going on in Darfur, Sudan. Many call it genocide, some call it war. I just call it all-around apalling. The crisis has many sources, but I will simplify it for you. Basically, the root of the problem is environment. About 2 decades ago, a cocktail of desertification, famine and drought ravaged the area. The Baggara (Arab, camel-herding nomads) tribes of the north were effected most by this reality. As they travelled to the opposite side of the region inhabited by the non-Arab Fur, Zaghawa, and Massaleit ethnic groups in search of tillable land and water, conflict arose due to scarce resources and over-population. What has ensued has caused over 200,000 men, women and children to lose their precious lives. The Sudanese government has given funding to the Janjawid (Baggara) groups-- although they are supposed to remain neutral in this conflict. The government has all but denounced foreign efforts at peace claiming that foreign involvement with this conflict will be viewed as an invasion of the country and will be handled as such.... This is a devastating crisis and too many people have died. Millions of people have been displaced and are homeless because of this. We, in this country are so lucky and fortunate that we do not face these realities....

Although the future seems grim, all is not lost. There is something you can do! If you are as moved by this tragedy as I am, then you can hit up one of these various websites, and donate your time or your money:

http://www.unicefusa.org/

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

http://www.savedarfur.org/

There are many celebrities that have dedicated their time and efforts to make a change and so can you. Don't let apathy be your weakness! We can help make things better for our world. Let's do it!