Tuesday, September 11, 2007
"Paradise Now"
One of the main philosophies of the characters in "Paradise Now" is death is better than inferiority. This idea has affected the actions of many people throughout history. When the Turkish army was attacking Greece, trapped Greek women and children jumped from windows and plummeted to their deaths rather than be kept as slaves to the Turks. The Jewish people also acted similarly in their history. What do you think inspires people to feel this way? What are your thoughts and/or feelings in response to this philosophy? Feel free to respond to other comments, but remember to respond with respect.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
46 comments:
blah blah blah
I think some people would just rather die than have to suffer for years and years doing labor for other people. They believe that if there is a next life, it will be happier than their life at the moment.
Personally, I would never want to commit suicide, because what if it doesn't work? What if when I fall from the roof of my house, I end up paralyzed, then I will definetly be trapped, and will not be able to commit suicide again. Things like this can happen, and I won't want to make things worse.
Plus, suicide destroys other's lives as well. In Paradise Now, you can tell that Said's mother loves him very much, and that she would be in much sorrow if Said detonated the bomb. And also the girl whom he loves--she freaked out when she discovered Khaled was dressed as a suicide bomber and was looking for Said.
These things I wouldn't want my family and friends to go through.
in my opinion, many people believe that death is better then inferiority because of their beliefs. Islams and Christians both believe that in Paradise, (or Heaven, whichever you prefer) nobody is superior or inferior to other people. therefore, when people feel inferior in general, they sometimes get the mentality that dying would be more beneficialy to their own well being rather then living the rest of their lives in constant fear of a force greater then themselves. also, it is human nature to want equality and justice for you & your people, and the Islam group in "Paradise Now" believe that it will be achieved by "martyrs" giving their lives in suicide attacks.
I believe that people are prompted to believe that "death is better than inferiority" because in many religions after death you are free. This could prompt many to believe that dying for their cause would not be in vain and that they could be free after their sacrifice. Many people could also believe this because being below another human or group is telling someone that they arent good enough and i believe that it is part of human nature to strive to be the best that one can be, and someone could nto possibly be the best they could be if they are below someone else.
-zac c.
I think that the idea behind the "death is better than inferiority" mindset has been brought about by the thought that egregious injustice is being done to you and that it would be better to die and not be part of this injustice then to be injusticed. In the case of "Paradise Now" the Palestinians of the west bank have been raised in an area in which martyrs are glorified by being shown on TV, having propaganda fed to them by resistance leaders, and living in a society where most complain about the current state.
People might feel they must kill themselves because to let someone overtake you and control any part of you is intollerable. They might think that to allow oneself to be 'beneath' someone else is weakness, and that to kill yourself and others for your cause is showing more strength than struggling through. Said stated that there is no freedom without struggle, but to kill yourself is to let struggle overwhelm you, isn't it? It seems like such an elementary way of solving a problem. Killing yourself before has always seemed like giving up.
I think that people act this way because they think death will bring them something better. They believe they will have an after life that is better than the life they are living. These people think that their life isn't worth living and death will help themselves or others. I don't believe that suicide is the best option. I believe that people should try to help others or fix the situation that they are in. This way they will be helping others and themselves live better lives. The Turkish women and children could have tried to escape or made plans to get help. This way they would escape slavery and be able to help others in the same situation as them.
From what I know, there are people who believe that through death, they are freed from their pain and anguish of the world left behind. They believe that their lives will be better in Heaven, the afterlife, or after reincarnation, whatever their beliefs are. Some are told about this better life to give them hope that all is not lost in times of great dispair. Others just end up believing this concept on their own for the same reason. Such as in "Paradise Now", they believe that they will go to Heaven after their death, and that they are helping their people when they perform their suicide bombings, leading them to a better place than where they left.
But there are also people who disagree with their reasonings. I, for one, don't believe that suicide would lead to any sort of salvation. But... I can understand their reasonings and imagine why they would choose to end their life while they are not living a horrible life void of any happiness. To Said, becoming a martyr will prove to the people that he is fighting for their cause, in spite of the collaborator known as his father, and the resentment of the others.
I believe people feel like this because they would rather face death than be humiliated as a slave, be treated less than animals. Also these societies put a lot of pressure on honor. Honor to their country. Honor to their family. When a son, or whoever, would go off to war, it was often said they could only come back to their family depending on the condition of their return. To them it was more valiant to die trying, than to come back alive and defeated.
I can see their viewpoint, and understand where they're coming form. But to me, life is the most precious thing on this earth. To keep living is important. Even if you're living a half-life, with your respect and dignity ripped from you. You still have your soul and beliefs. And that's not worth dying over.
I think that people feel this way because they are not open to change. They could just be so used to one way of living that the thought of living some other way is unbearable. I believe that ending your life should never even be a choice. If there is life then there is hope, but once you end your life your done; that's it. Even if you end up a slave you can continue fighting for your freedom. There is always another choice than death; you just have to be willing to look for it.
Madelyne Lawrence:
"Paradise Now" has lead me to believe that some people view death as being better than inferiority because they believe in life after death. They had lived thier entire life in generational poverty. In their community, they had been chosen to do the "honorable" act of suicide bombing. When a bit questionable about what was going to happen after to bomb was triggered, Khaled and Said were reasured by their superior that they would be taken up to heaven by two angels.
This idea of an afterlife gave them hope, and something to look forward to once their suicide bombing had been carried out.
Personally, I think that life after death is a wonderful idea no matter if its true or not. However, i don't think that it justifies suicide bombing. An interesting, yet contravertial idea which no one will know is true until their time comes.
I believe that people think this way because they feel that without pride, they have nothing to live for. A possibility is that since they feel like they don't have an identity or aren't significant to othersso they have no point in existence. Also, some people have so much hatred toward something that they think that death is a better alternative than submission to the epitomy of their abhorrance. I don't agree with this philosphy because if one of my friends or family members believed in this way of thinking, I would prefer to have them alive rather than dead. Even though disgust and loathing for something can be strong, it shouldn't be powerful enough to take away a man's life.
I think most people have self pride, pride that doesn't let themselves be considered inferior to others. When issues arise that suppress people and make them inferior, I think a "little voice" called pride suggests that life is worthless without dignity. Really, I think it only takes a few to think this, spread their ideas, and soon they have a whole society or culture that believes death is better than living a life while considered inferior. Then, in the case of Said and Khaled, we have generations and generations of people born and raised in a culture that tells them to choose death over a life of suppression. It is so much easier to accept a way of thinking when one is raised with it and it's a part of their culture. I also think that desperation plays a part in this idea. The saying "desperate times call for desperate measures" starts to make a lot of sense when you feel like there are no other options. When people are coming into hard times, sometimes it's hard to think everything through, people want the quick and easy way out, in this case, death.
- - Hannah F.
I believe that the reason people decide death over inferiority becuase if you show weakness toward the people who are trying to make you slaves, people against you etc. then you are falling into what they want. And what they want is for you to be afraid of them and feel inferior. Also, by choosing death as Sadia and the Greek woman and children did they could not be conquered by their opponents. Another thing is that they may be inspired to do this because they would rather be free than being entrapped in this life being controlled by another. I agree with this philosophy because instead of giving in to what the others want you can free yourself from the agony of having to listen to another for the rest of your life. I feel that choosing death over inferiority is the right choice to make at the tight situations as Sadia and the Greeks were in.
Daniel Lee
Period 6
I think that people who are brought up in an environment like those in "Paradise now", or pertaining to Greek or Jewish history are influenced greatly by not only religion, but their society as well. They grow up believing that they are part of a whole, and that they're individual lives are not as important as the group or religion. For the characters in "Paradise now", Islam was their motivation for such passionate feelings.
I believe that a human being and individual life are very important, and that nothing is worth killing yourself over, whether it be for a suicide mission or for anything else. Even if i were about to be enslaved, i wouldn't give up because first: it would be too cowardly. Second: there is always hope for something good to happen.
-Kela Nahas
Period. 6
ok... i think i'm suposed to respond here, so here it goes...
i think that the main inspirations for people to feel this way are the desires for freedom and control over their own lives. that said, people would be more willing to die if they were in a position where these two desires were either nonexistent or in danger. they also feel that if life is not going to get any better, then their death might as well be of their choosing when they want it, and might as well emphasize their point.
my response to this philosophy is that there are few things worth dying for. sure, standing up for what you believe in is great, but it’s usually more effective if you try to get your point across in some way other than death. these suicides just waste life, and end up being forgotten or remembered as idiotic or rash. in my mind, the only acceptable time to die instead of being inferior is if your death is guaranteed to save the lives of others. an example of this is how soldiers are willing to fight for their countries, especially in WWII and other wars that were filled with beliefs of supremacy and inferiority, with the intent of ending the war as soon as possible.
although some of the things that i would die for would include family, friends, and my country, i have to stop and rethink this, since that is what many people claim to be dying for. in “Paradise Now,” the two friends were claiming that they were going to bomb Israel for their countrymen, and that it would help end the occupation of their homeland. so when it comes down to it, how and where a person was raised really helps determine this set of mind, along with their family’s history.
The theory that death is better than inferiority is common. It is influenced by the belief that dignity is essential, while humiliation is pontentially the ruination of one's life. Many things can inspire people to feel this way. Family is especially influential. The pressure from a person's family can cause them to do many shocking things. Social and religious pressure also has a big impact on people's behavior. However, the only reason that these people and characters can be so pressured is because they have a low level of respect for themselves. They are convinced that by doing such dramatic acts as suicide bombings they will be revered as heroes and martyrs as they could not be if they were alive. Bertolt Brecht said, "Unhappy the land that needs heroes." That is especially true in this movie.
I believe that such a belief is wrong to its core. Life is a sacred trust, and by taking your own or others, you are committing one of the most grievous sins. People who believe that such acts will cause them to go to paradise or make them heroes are horribly mistaken or conned.
I believe that religion has a major part in inspiring people to feel this way. They feel that killing themselves keeps their dignity, and that God accepts that, even though suicide is an unforgivable sin. They are taught that what they are doing is an "honor" in God's eyes, which gives them the motive to go through with it and they believe that everything will work out. I 100% dissagree with this philosophy, because 1, suicide is an unforgivable sin. Killing yourself, even if you think you are doing it for the better is unforgivable in God's eyes. 2, killing hundreds of people along with yourself won't change anything, it will only make matters worse. And 3, the people who do this are selfish and only think of themselves. They do not think of the millions of other people that could suffer from one action they think if for the better.
~Katrina Welborn. Period 6
I think that many religions have ways that they can be honored by other people and in "Paradise Now" thats what they are doing. They believe that by doing this action they will be full filling their life and what their God wants. I feel in some ways that it would be better to die than to suffer a long, difficult life but on the other end i dont think that it is right to just kill your self. Most of all i dont think that it is right because in "Paradise Now" they are killing them selfs but also going to kill other inoccent people who have families that love them just like they do. All the soldiers that they could kill by sacraficing themselves and "Going up to Heaven" is just flat out wrong cause they are killing inoccent people that have lifes and things to look forward to. But overall i think that instead of inferiority they choose death is mostly relaited to what religion and what you believe in the after life. But my true thoughts say that it is not the greatest course of action to take.
Patrick Carlson
Period: 2
I belive they act this way because their whole life revolves upon the fame or infamy of you and your family.
Suicide is sick and wrong. I think that trying to justify it with religon is just another form of brainwashing.
(and im not sure what to do... i thought we were supposed to reply somewhere, and i dont see any other comments... maybe im the first one?)
=]
For the most part, I disagree with these people's philosophy. For one, I don't like the fact that these people have no hope. They show a weakness of themselves by giving up in their lives. They choose the only way to fix this is by taking their life away altogether. I also believe that this belief has brainwashed people to do sinful things like, for example, the 9-11 attacks, and like in the movie the suicidal bombings.
I think what inspires them is knowing that they don't want to let God down. They think that they are destined to kill themselves so that they will possibly improve the lives of others and they will go on with a better life as well in heaven. Although everyone has different beliefs, I cannot get passed the fact that taking a life away from the other is considered heroic.
I think that pride motivates people to chose death over inferiority. Not only pride for themselves, but for the dignity and pride of their family, or people. For they believe that their death will help their cause, or make a statement. They want to die with respect, to be heroes than silent sufferers. For Said he want to die for his cause because he feels that he must help replace the name of his father, and for the unjust way that the Palestinians are being treated.
Personally, I believe that there are other ways to make a statement than death, that you can still have dignity and pride and still be inferior. But if people would rather die than be inferior than maybe its better that they die happy, and with purpose. For if they continued living, they would be in misery.
Some people see death as an escape, and that is almost selfish, for as others suffer they take the easy way out.
It all depends on diffrent peoples outlook on death, and life, and the value of life.
I disagree that people should die in suicide bombings, and that people would jump out their windows, and that suicide bombings should kill innocent people.
Tonya Burton (period 6)
I feel that the people feel this way because they would rather die with dignity then live with humaliation, Which makes sense to me.
When you loose your dignity your basically, in my opinion lifeless anyway, so what is the point?
I believe that the people who feel this way have too much pride. I think they believe that killing themselves before being killed keeps their dignity. They see suicide with a "purpose" as an ok thing to do. They believe that killing themselves along with others is an "honor" in God's eyes, yet no matter what, suicide is NEVER an honor to God. It is an unforgivable sin no matter which way you look at it. They might be taught this as just another ordinary thing, but I am not sure. I 100% disagree with this philosophy, because 1, suicide is an unforgivable sin. Period. 2, killing yourself while bringing others along to try to prove a point, just makes matters worse. It won't solve anything. When does violence ever solve anything??? And 3, creating such a disaster "believing" you are doing the right thing, will leave so many people in agony of some sort. The people who do this are extremely selfish, inconsiderate, and cruel, along with other things.
~Katrina Welborn
They think this way because they think they would be happier dead than to be kept alive and have their dignity taken away. I think it is perfectly logical. People don't want to be treated as things, they want to be treated equally and they want to have self-dignity.
-Shelby Meader
Throughout this movie, one of the main characters portrays the "death is better than inferiority" in a strong-willed way. He is ready, and even excited to die. This reminds me of an event that occured in America when the twin towers and the pentagon were hit by hijaked planes due to a suicide mission. I think that people who choose death over inferiority are either truly devoted to their country/group or would like the attention and role as a hero. Even though they wouldn't be alive to witness the attention they were to receive. Personally, I feel there are much better ways to serve your country, or support your people than to die during a suicide mission. Its one thing to go to war for your country and die fighting for what you think is right, but when you start blowing up people for no reason but to make a point, thats when i start to disagree.
-Alison Lehner
I believe that people have the instinct to need to feel like they have ultimate control over their lives, and this is what leads to the philosophy that death is better than inferiority - those who are superior to you rule you and your actions, therefore you have nothing left worth living for since you no longer have any freedom or choices.
To me, this seems a defeatist attitude. To give up when someone has gained a step on you?
Instead, I see it as it is better to fight than to be inferior. If you don't like it, change it. Death is a last resort.
-Natalie Stone, 2nd Period
I think many people would rather die heroically or die knowing that they made a difference rather than just be shot like the Greek women. In "Paradise Now", Said and Keled are fighting for their country and religion. To them, it is better to use their lives to fight, getting respect from people close to them, then be humiliated.
I disagree with this philosophy. I believe it is better to live and be known for great things, like Martin Luther King Jr. or George Washington, and then die in peace. I wouldn't feel like it would be an honor to die as a suicide bomber. However, I have been blessed with good fortune and haven't experienced poverty, such aspects may alter one's perception and I am open to different theories.
I believe that people have too large of a pride. They believe that they are too good to be a slave to anyone else or inferior to anyone else. I think that this is ridiculous. I know that I have a large pride myself, pretty much every one does, but if you really think about it, none of us are any better than anyone else. I don't think that people should just take this all without caring, but I do think that they should not just go and waste their life just because things aren't paradise. It is always possible to find good in every situation and once someone finds it, then they can see that life is not worth ending, no matter how tough the situation is.
I think that the honorable people that have died are influences to the later generations. It shows that you are couragous and they believe that they will end up in a better place. A place called paradise. Yet, i couldn't tell you how i feel about this philosophy. Honestly, i wouldn't know what i would do until i was put into that situation. It's hard to say if you would commit suicide. I think that I would have to be very unhappy to feel this way. I also feel like the people that do this feel like they have no escape, that this is the life they are going to live and nothing better is going for them.
I think that this kind of attitude towards life comes from a long history of oppression. If a people is discriminated against, oppressed, or hurt in some way for their entire life, and in many cases multiple generations, they are likely to feel much more strongly about the issue than most of us can imagine. Another contributor to this way of thinking could be if a person does not feel there is a good outlook, or that the situation is not going to get any better within their lifetime. This could cause them to feel that (as they said in the movie) they are dead already as it is now. I cannot imagine feeling this strongly about anything because I have not experienced anything nearly as severe as these people go through. I think that a person would have to go through something very harsh before they would develop this type of philosophy.
People are inspired to feel this way because of their pride. When you don’t have that freedom of being able to do and say what you want, a sense of uselessness comes over you. This may even lead one to believing that there is no way out, so people go to drastic measures. Having control over one's life makes that person want to live. Once that control is gone some may seem that it is useless to even try.
It is easy to understand why some may feel like there is no way out, however, when sinking into your lowest point the only thing that will make you stronger is not giving up. Things can only go up hill from the bottom. There is always another option other than death and that is to live. Life is worth living and in the end; one will be rewarded for the struggles they have had to overcome.
It is clear that the oppression and tyranny that is applied to societies in order to drive a people into submission, is the sole foundation of the notion that suicide is a superior alternative to an existence of inferiority. When one knows nothing but a futile subsistence, the mind will wander to far greater things beyond the known "life". In the film, "Paradise Now", Said mentioned something along the lines of, "Life isn't worth it without dignity." This reflects the common perspective of those who choose the route of self-inflicted death. But not all tyrannized are without memories of a more content self in a safer, as well as more enjoyable, world. A number of repressed people yearn for what has already passed. These types may see death as a way to travel back to a satisfying (after-)lifestyle. The fact of the matter is that humans are prideful and selfish beings by nature and, therefore, the vast majority will not allow themselves to be victims to such a society for very long. Many find alternate routes to go about their departure. One path is, of course, suicide. Another way is a suicide in which homocide occurs as well, as in terrorist bombings.
Personally, I understand their thinking and realize now that if I had a choice between that form of life and death, I would most likely capitulate my existence. Death does not frighten me. I know this is the case only due to the fact that I believe in an afterlife. A single difference between my personal mindset and the mindsets of those portrayed in the film is quite notable though: I do not believe taking my own life will carry me to a utopian world. Death may take me there, but only on certain circumstances that differentiate from the criteria that believers in the Islamic faith hypothesize will bring them to Paradise.
oops, i forgot to sign my name at the bottom...
okay, mine's the one that starts with the following:
"It is clear that the oppression and tyranny that is applied to societies in order to drive a people into submission, is the sole foundation of the notion that suicide is a superior alternative to an existence of inferiority."
~Hannah Manning, period 2
I'm not sure if I'm responding to this in the right mannor because i don't see anyone else's responses, but since when have i even been one for doing things the conventional way? :)
So, why would someone choose death over inferiority? When it comes down to the things in which one is most passionate about, and that passion is challanged by someone who say's that if you truely belive/support what you preach, then die for it, poeple will. To live a life under the oppression of another, to have your thoughts and ideas challanged...it's almost as though allowing oneself to live out their life preaching a belife, but living in a contridiction to that belife. By not fallowing what they say it makes them look t cowardly to take action for that belife. If i am goign to tell soemone that they should fight for a cause, then i better be already fighting for it myself. If I'm not, then isn;t that a bit hopricitcal?
In the case of "Paradise Now", the peopel feel that since they have no strong millitary in which to fight back their oppressors, they must be creative and utalize what they do have. If sucide bombers is the best they can come up with, then that's what they get. As long as there are peopel willing to do the job, then their will alway be incodents.
As for the idea that it is better to die than live in inferiority, their very basis of life is beging altered. Their soul drive and modivation is under attack. Once that purpose to live is gone, then why would someone want to live anymore? Some may see the idea of death as an honerabul and rather stubborn way to retalliate against their oppressors. This is what they belive, this is the foundation of thier lives, and without that base to build on, some may ask the question "why keep suffering for nothign? where is the honor in that?"
And it seems that in this country, with these people, honor is one of the most importian things in life. Without it then a man is nothing, With honor, one is has no more respect or woth than dirt.
One must also keep in mind as well that this is a religous war. When people are told that in the end, God will choose them as righous ones, that they are the chosen, then what is to be feared from death. If your told all your life that your already garanteed a ticket into paradise when you die, then what's so bad about dying? And since your already in, then what really mattersin life is not so much as the things you have, but what one does and stands for. The more "righouse" deeds one preforms, the more God is goign to patt you one the back when the judgement day comes. Heck if you really live out your purpose, then maybe you'll get promoted to the VIP suite of heaven!
In the end it all comes down to what you belive. is it more importian to live out a life hear on earth, or is it best to live your life always in sacrifice for the cause? Which is the more knowbel of the two?
I think that people are inspired to choose death rather than live in inferiority because they believe that it is dishonorable and not living at all in fact to be inferior to the Israelis. They can not deal with being inferior to the Israelis and a victim of them taking over their land.
I think that I would go through with living inferiority rather than death because people like the slaves lived for several hundred years in extreme inferiority. And they got through with it, without most of them killing themselves. This war has only been going on for sixty years the slaves were inferior for two hundred plus years.
I feel that some ppl are inspired to choose death instead of slavery or inferiority because they feel that it is too shameful to just submit to a life of a lower class citizen. They feel that death for a cause is a much more honorable way to be remembered than to serve as a slave to a race of ppl who feel they are more superior to them.
When I read this blog I immediately though of Jesus Christ (or Jesus of Nazareth). It reminded me of how he was willing to go through torture and be put to death in the most painful manner they had back then, instead of submit to the Romans and religious leaders by saying he wasn't the son of God. Even in this day and age, ppl are willing to go through these things as well to hold true to what they believe in.
Honestly, I feel that death might be a little rash to suddenly conclude upon, but depending on the situation it can be totally understandable that death would be the only option. I, personally, don't have a ton of things that I would immediately die for, but those few things mean so much to me that I would not reconsider it if it came to a choice between life w/o it (or them) or death. From "Paradise Now" I think that Said and Khaled are mistaken in thinking that they would go to heaven after killing a bunch of ppl through suicide bombings. They would be sinking down to the level of the ppl that were oppressing them, making them just as bad and just as dishonorable. They don't see what is happening to their families and friends. One more suicide bombing means one more reason to believe that all of their ppl are terrorists, which just leads to more oppression. The martyrs don't understand it because they are already dead when that realization kicks in, and the leaders of the groups just want to win the war, feeling that this is the most efficient way of taking out the opposition.
I'd type more, but I think I have said enough for now...
Brittany Van Horn~ per. 2
I think that people are always thinking about status that they are in and not how it will affect them or their family. People want a "HIGHER" place in life and want to be known as heroes. I think that its wrong and people should live up to their lives and not worry about status. They may think that killing themselves is a sacrifice to making a name for their family as someone who dedicated their life to kill others which that is not the right thing to do.
When the Turks attacked the Greek, the people needed to decide between living miserable lives on Earth or peaceful lives in Heaven. I don't agree with the idea of suicide, but I understand why some people would choose that over slavery. The characters in "Paradise Now" get to choose between inferiority and killing themselves to become heroes. In this situation, it's much harder to decide. However, if I was in this situation, I would choose living on Earth because I (like most other people) am afraid of death. Instead, I would run away to a distant country where I could live in peace and quiet.
The philosophy of death is better than inferiority is a main belief in Jewish, and Greek culture because of religion. Christians, Muslims, Jews, and many more religions are told what to do by some sort of god. I believe that the Greeks, and the Jews took what their religion said, and affirmed it into action. However I do not think that this is the right thing to do, but this is based on my opnion. I believe that god put us on this earth to serve him, being inferior would certainly not fall into a religion that said that death is better than inferiority, but that is because I was brought up Christian, and because of that I have my own beliefs. What about everybody else :)
www.myspace.com/ivanooze123
killawales
I believe that people feel this way because they are trapped in a life that defies everything that they believe a life should be. Said in "Paradise Now" has been trapped in a refuge camp and oppressed by the Islams for his entire life. They even recruited his father to be a collaborator, getting him executed when Said was only 10 years old. A life such as this could certainly bring someone to see death as the only way to escape it.
As an American with abundant freedom and rights, I cannot see eye to eye on this topic. Of course I would never commit suicide, killing other people along with me, because my life is good. But after watching "Paradise Now" I can begin to see the other side's point of view and that the random suicide bombers you hear about on the news have stories and motives too. In this way my views were changed by watching this movie.
People are inspired to feel this way because of their pride. When one doesn’t have that freedom of being able to do and say what they want, a sense of uselessness comes over them. This may even lead one to believing that there is no way out, so people go to drastic measures. Having control over one's life makes that person want to live. Once that control is gone some may seem that it is useless to even try.
It is easy to understand why some may feel like there is no way out, however, when sinking into your lowest point the only thing that will make you stronger is not giving up. Things can only go up hill from the bottom. There is always another option other than death and that is to live. Life is worth living and in the end; one will be rewarded for the struggles they have overcome.
I believe that people would want to commit suicide is because they think that their life is of no worth. That they don't belong in our society. Also, they don't want to work hard labor, and that their future is doing painful labor. And they want to go to a paradise in heaven, feel free. Or they have to live up to something, they want to be honored and not some person who works at a car shop, for instance, Khaled worked at a car shop and fixed cars, but if he commits suicide by bombing for the cause in Israel. He will have his face posted in the middle of town and will be honored. In Said's case, he had to live up to something, to prove that he isn't a traiter like his father, and so his family won't be the family of a collaborator. All in all, people who commit suicide think that life will be better on the other side, or want to be honored, and have meaning to their imprisoned life.
The idea of death as an alternative to a life without freedom is one that seems to persist an unsettling amount throughout history. Suicide is used to make a statement, to accomplish a military goal, or simply to escape. Whether this is the right thing to do often is an opinion, as there is almost no way to be subjective when talking about anything pertaining to religion.
Some believe that death is a ticket to paradise, and that anything less bearable is worth committing suicide over.
In Paradise Now, the jihads are attempting to make sure that, even though they pass away, the future generations of Pakistanis will not have to make the choice between life and death. This feeling is so deeply rooted in humanity that it shows up occasionally in our own US history- does Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech ring a bell?
My personal feeling is that, until I have been made to suffer conditions that are equal to those of the Greeks, the Jews, the Pakistanis, the African slaves, or others who have been oppressed throughout history, I am in NO position to make any sort of judgment on whether they did the right thing or not. I may intellectually disagree with their choice one way or another, but I'm hoping I will never find out my true feelings on the subject.
People who don't live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones either, because that's just cruel to do that to your neighbors and such.
The mindset of "death before inferiority" comes from two main reasons; pride and fear. When a country or just a person feel their being humiliated or losing their dignity, most would do anything to stop it, even suicide. The human race, no matter who it is, is a prideful group of people and the idea of being below someone is dishonorable. Additionally, fear causes many to rather die than stay a prisoner. One might fear living like that forever, or dissapointing their people (like Said) or the actually captures. This idea to me seems like brainwashing. I don't think anything in life should make you give up your existence for it.
-Bethany Kellmer
The philosophy that death is better than inferiority is a rather popular belief, and if all people were adressed with such a question, provied they were in the right setting, it might be a more common answer than you think.
If you can imagine somone who is the polar opposite of you in each and every way, morals, culture, religion, habits, apperence, everything, would you be okay with them comming in and forcing you to to live their life??
Would you be willing to sacrifice everything you know and believe in, and just change your ways?
Or would death be a better option? Would you end the life you love instead of living one you hate?
I dont see this as too far fetched and in a critical situation may just consider it. As a reasult i am not to critical of the men in Paridise Now. They do what they have to do to live a good life. If they were to live a life they were ashamed of then what would be the point of living??
Yes it is drastic and i would consider all other options first but no it is not as inconceviable an idea as we may first think.
Post a Comment