The mass media are a collection of different means of communication that distribute information that connects us to world issues. After the introduction of the first mass medium, i.e., the newspaper, came television, the radio and, most recently, the internet. All of these mass media have since become a vital part of people’s lives, particularly for formulating perspectives on today’s most relevant issues. The media have allowed us to become greater participants in global events. The cholera outbreak in Haiti, for instance, is a case in point. If not for the media, we would know little, if anything, about the Cholera epidemic in Haiti, which proves the crucial role the media play in informing the public of international catastrophes as they unfold.
The cholera outbreak in Haiti was said to have started after the devastating earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince in January 2010, with a magnitude of 7.0. The major destruction caused by the earthquake led to Haiti’s unsanitary state, which created a fertile environment in which the Cholera could spread. The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention states that there are two methods of this occurring, which have both been confirmed to exist in Haiti. http://www.cdc.gov/haiticholera/situation/ Today, the death toll rose to 1,344 and 57,000 have become sickened by Cholera.
Due to the media coverage, the overwhelming state of Haiti’s condition gained responses from communities all over the world. However, after a year of struggle, Haiti still suffers from Cholera. The number of deaths is predicted to rise well over 200,000. Haiti’s state is in definite need of attention. Initially, after the earthquake, there were several graphic images of Haitian people buried under rubble, children covered with blood and hundreds killed. Unfortunately, this is something that catches people’s interest. “The graphic suffering of innocents made an inescapable appeal to conscience-and the humanitarian-aid business as we know it today came into being” (Gourevitch, Philip. pg. 102). These images alone should not be the only provocation for people to tend to the needs of others. For example, if America were undergoing the same situation, would there be more press coverage than Haiti is getting? Would more people help? Would more people be informed? In my opinion, I think most people would be informed due to the fact that America is a superpower. However, when people are dying and suffering, why should a nation’s status or power be of any concern? The focus should be on the people who are in need of help. The cholera outbreak in Haiti has demonstrated the failure in relief work and its funders. “Meanwhile, billions of dollars of donations that could have provided permanent clean drinking water are collecting interest for the numerous charity organizations making a business out of poverty….The U.S. government itself, which has allocated $1.15 billion in earthquake relief funds to Haiti, has not yet delivered, for the most part” (http://www.progressive.org/mpdanto102710.html).
Despite the aid that Haiti is receiving, most countries have not fully dedicated their strengths to helping Haiti rebuild. “That’s clearly insufficient for an adequate response to the epidemic,” says U.N spokesman Farhan Haq. With the power of the media, we should concentrate on the importance of neighboring nations and to provide hope in living without fear of cholera. This week the United States has been hit with a tragic loss due to the shooting in Arizona. If the same press coverage was given to Haiti or other countries suffering from mass poverty (Tanzania, Liberia, Burundi, Rwanda), perhaps more attention would be given to those suffering from everyday hunger, genocide, civil war, drought and disease.
As the audience of mass media, we must take part and help in the recovery of others. Despite the fact that Haiti has been suffering from political unrest, poor environmental conditions, poverty, natural disaster, and the outbreak of cholera, , through all this, hope still lingers. The difficulty in restoring the balance of Haiti is still in question. If the media played a bigger role in this matter, it could definitely show growing improvements in Haiti’s current condition. Our attention is vital in this matter. (http://www.globalissues.org/article/141/haiti)
Other sites that relate to this topic:
-http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-22/world/haiti.cholera.alert_1_cholera-outbreak- cholera-epidemic-rehydration-salts?_s=PM:WORLD
-(quote from U.N spokesman Farhan Haq )
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-22/world/haiti.cholera.alert_1_cholera-outbreak-cholera-epidemic-rehydration-salts?_s=PM:WORLD
Sources:
-Gourevich, Philip. "Alm's Dealers." The New Yorker Magazine. Print.
-Gourevich, Philip. "Alm's Dealers." The New Yorker Magazine. Print.
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