Dignity In The Midst Of Tragedy

Update 3/27/11:

The Japanese display of discipline amid crisis, and self reliance [politely declining some offer of search and rescue teams from foreign countries] can be explained at how they succeeded in teaching values to their kids, and keeping their culture intact despite modernization. Read this for more.

Update:

We received several warnings of bogus donation sites for the victims of Japan quake. Donate only to reputable organizations, start with the Red Cross of your country.

I’ve been following the developments in Japan, after watching in TV the clips of the devastation both from the earthquake and tsunami, scenes I thought could only happen in movies. The tragedy is now called “Great Sendai Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011″.

A lot has been said, some attribute this on the red moon or something, others try to find answer from religion. Still others believed Japan tested a nuclear bomb under waters that set off the earthquake and tsunami. Well, I don’t want to add more to that discussion, I would like to blog though, on how the Japanese gov’t and citizens reacted to their crisis, and how we can help.

With that, allow me to 1st use this story as the spring board of this discussion.

If reports are accurate, the Japanese remain calm and disciplined, despite the shortage of food and fuel, and trusted  their gov’t in handling the crisis and in taking care of them. There were reports of orderly buying in convenient stores, despite rationing. And there was no reported looting, courtesy for each other was not shaken by the quake and swept away by the tsunami.

Offers of help and assistance were given by 91 countries, but not all are given the green light, including PH offer of help. While some may feel slighted for this, but Japan has a lot on their plate right now and those coming in should not become an additional burden. Likewise, help and rescue efforts should be synergized and align with their over-all crisis management strategies.

And in the context of offering help, I was listening to Ted Failon’s radio program this morning, and they- himself,  Pinky Webb and a lady guest [I think  it's, Tina Monson-Palma] are encouraging Filipinos to give donations directly to Japan Red Cross since offer of help from the outside may take time to reach the intended recipients because of “modalities” .  But After checking the website of Japan Red Cross, they appreciate the offer of help, but advised would be donors to check with their National Red Cross first. Though, they also provided the bank account details should one insist of giving it directly to them.

Lessons Learned

It depends on how you look at how the Japanese are dealing with their crisis. Some may attribute this to “arrogance”, but personally, I looked at them  with respect. Yes, it could be “pride”, but a wonderful national pride there is- calm, dignity in the midst of indescribable loss and hardship. If such tragedy struck PH [God fordid], what do you think would be our response? Would there be calm? Would there be mutual courtesy? Can our gov’t. confidently carry out crisis strategies?

How we can help

The giant TV networks had set up their own efforts to help. We can opt to donate to PH Red Cross. Or if like me, you are managing several sites or blog, you can place a hello bar on top of your site and offer a word of encouragement and link to a reputable charity organization. Best of all, our prayers can do more [1] to comfort those who suffered loss and facing hardship, [2] to give strength and wisdom to those in charge of rescue and relief operations, and averting a nuclear disaster in Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station.

Do you have love ones in Japan? Care to share how you are able to help them?