Missing Malaysia Airlines Flight
On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 was reported missing. Although countries from all across the globe joined in the search effort, the 12-crew members and 227 passengers were never found. Although the search continues, some are beginning to wonder when it will be called off, should the efforts prove unsuccessful.
For the governments and objective third parties who are feeling the effect of the financial contributions, ceasing the search may be an increasingly appealing option. However, for the families of the victims, answers are still needed. When do morals and values — that we so heavily emphasize and grow up learning — not triumph? When is it OK to abandon these principles, in favor of a more economic option?
We would like to think that if we simply do the “right” thing, the outcome would be a positive one. We don’t want to show the young people of today that hard work doesn’t always pay off. These grieving families — some still clinging to hope — cannot be abandoned. Their hurt and prolonged confusion was intensified by the false hope provided to them by the Malaysian government. How can we justify deserting the memories of their loved ones?
On a level of curiosity and global improvement, finding the plane could also provide critical information that can be used to improve safety and ensure that something like this does not happen again. At the very least, it could explain the cause of the plane’s disappearance. In addition, to the humanitarian aspect of continuing the search, there are practical reasons for sustaining the on-going efforts.
I commend the many countries who have contributed to the search effort — a heart-warming display of camaraderie not always found even in a country’s own supposed “bipartisanship.” However, in no way do I want to be added to the list of people pointing fingers from behind a computer screen thousands of miles away from the situation. I don’t know exactly how I would handle a tragic situation like this, should the responsibility fall to me. Tragedies, however devastating, present the world with questions that have no easy answers.
Throughout history, there has been an overwhelming uproar following a catastrophic event, vowing to never let it happen again. Cries advocating improvement ring out across the world.
It is a complete disservice to the victims and their families if the search effort is abandoned and closure cannot be found. The traits of compassion and perseverance make us fundamentally human.
For the governments and objective third parties who are feeling the effect of the financial contributions, ceasing the search may be an increasingly appealing option. However, for the families of the victims, answers are still needed. When do morals and values — that we so heavily emphasize and grow up learning — not triumph? When is it OK to abandon these principles, in favor of a more economic option?
We would like to think that if we simply do the “right” thing, the outcome would be a positive one. We don’t want to show the young people of today that hard work doesn’t always pay off. These grieving families — some still clinging to hope — cannot be abandoned. Their hurt and prolonged confusion was intensified by the false hope provided to them by the Malaysian government. How can we justify deserting the memories of their loved ones?
On a level of curiosity and global improvement, finding the plane could also provide critical information that can be used to improve safety and ensure that something like this does not happen again. At the very least, it could explain the cause of the plane’s disappearance. In addition, to the humanitarian aspect of continuing the search, there are practical reasons for sustaining the on-going efforts.
I commend the many countries who have contributed to the search effort — a heart-warming display of camaraderie not always found even in a country’s own supposed “bipartisanship.” However, in no way do I want to be added to the list of people pointing fingers from behind a computer screen thousands of miles away from the situation. I don’t know exactly how I would handle a tragic situation like this, should the responsibility fall to me. Tragedies, however devastating, present the world with questions that have no easy answers.
Throughout history, there has been an overwhelming uproar following a catastrophic event, vowing to never let it happen again. Cries advocating improvement ring out across the world.
It is a complete disservice to the victims and their families if the search effort is abandoned and closure cannot be found. The traits of compassion and perseverance make us fundamentally human.
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