WHAT IS HUMANITARIANISM?
BEFORE THE TRIP
Prior to registering for this class, my knowledge of humanitarianism was pretty much nonexistent. After brief research and consulting a dictionary, I have gained a growing perspective on what humanitarianism entails, and what it means to me. Relating to definitions found through research, I understand it to take part through concern for the welfare and happiness of others. Personally, I do not think humanitarianism can be defined by one sentence. It can revolve around a variety of ideas, understandings and circumstances. Humanitarianism can be practiced on a broad spectrum of levels, from simply holding the door for a passing stranger to volunteering to build homes after a natural disaster. Any act of kindness can be categorized as humanitarianism. In the past, humanitarianism has taken part through helping people in need. Humanitarianism has served civilization for centuries, fighting racism and war. Humanitarianism is present throughout history, from the creation of the Red Cross in 1863 to the formation of the United Nations to promote cooperation and prevent conflict between countries. Humans naturally extend kindness and sympathy to others. The most widespread examples of humanitarianism today arise around times of conflict or disaster. Response efforts to the earthquake in Haiti, tsunami in Asia, or hurricane in Louisiana are all known examples of recent Humanitarianism efforts. In the future, I expect humanitarianism to mean the same things it has meant in the past, but by taking new forms. It will still revolve around helping people in need, but over time people’s needs change, as does how you fulfill them. Ever since the mission trip I took to South Africa, I have been aspiring to incorporate some form of humanitarianism into my future. It was not particularly the missions we worked with that stood out to me in the form of humanitarianism, but the people we worked with. The people whom we were there to “help” in some way ended up showing more humanitarianism than I believe I’ve seen in anyone else. Never have I felt more welcomed, warmed and genuinely appreciated, not for the work we had come to do, but simply for being present. Humanitarianism is centered on happiness, and I have never been happier, not only through the joy of helping others but by the way I was treated and appreciated. I guess in some ways my desire to incorporate humanitarianism into my everyday life is as much selfish as it can be seen as selfless. |
AFTER THE TRIP
After discussion throughout the class, and my experience in Tanzania, my view on Humanitarianism has definitely changed. It’s difficult to explain my outlook on humanitarianism, because I still don’t think I have a solid outlook or explanation. After multiple attempts at trying to sit down and write what humanitarianism means to me, I have come to realize that I have multiple viewpoints on the topic. I think that true acts of humanitarianism are acts done as equals. However, I also believe that humanitarianism can’t exist in that sense because, although all humans are equivalent, that is never truly understood in acts of kindness, benevolence or sympathy. Across countries and continents, it is challenging for people to view others as their equals. Subconscious and conscious barriers are often set based on social and economic barriers. During every human interaction, it is an instinct (whether that be conscious or unconscious) to judge the person with whom we are interacting. Although we are all equals, we don’t often view each other as equals. Any act of kindness that can be considered “humanitarianism” is a selfish act. Even if the act is done to aid another person, it is still to the benefit of the doer. It may be a spiritual, physical or mental benefit, but there will always be a personal benefit to helping others. My outlook on humanitarianism is pretty difficult to put into words, but I’m not positive what my outlook is. |