Yes, yes indeed. You have articulated well what I was having trouble putting into words. Thanks.
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Yes, yes indeed. You have articulated well what I was having trouble putting into words. Thanks.
Haven't seen any of it. I already know they were beheaded and they are already dead, so watching it on video for some graphically-induced stimulation/feelings from someone being massacred is moot and pointless to me.Quote:
Originally Posted by TogakureOjonin
I didn't watch any of it. Just hearing about it is enough to make me sick. :fainting:
What's really scary is that the terrorists can get away with it. This clearly shows that the Iraqi situation is messed up. Unfortunately, we act like it's not happening because there's not much we can do about it.
What bothers me is that these videos are on the internet, and some people are having fun with it. Imagine what the victims' families are going through, knowing that the videos are posted on the internet.
As I see it, it's the lack of viewer respect that's shameful, not that the vids are on the 'net. I try and imagine if it were my brother, or mother, who was victimized. Having the videos on the 'net could be a good thing, if it brought the atrocity to the attention of the (outraged) masses and inspired propaganda and/or action against the perpetrators. But when it becomes an item of entertainment for those who have little respect or concern for anything that doesn't affect them directly ... .
I saw them a while ago; I didn't like it, but the videos do take away the feeling of distance, they bring home the fact that behind the numbers real people are murdered. They certainly put any thought out of my mind that such actions are justifiable in any way, showed what's behind the numbers. Frankly such a thing is sickening, as is the glee of people I know when they hear of another setback or attack in Iraq at the cost of coalition troops, as if it's some kind of vindication.
Oh, I saw that one. I was a lot younger than I am now, and it was disguised as a porn clip. I got owned, I admit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Weebeast
I think a couple of people here have over-simplified the reason/cause why someone would knowingly watch this stuff.
I've seen a couple of the clips that have been mentioned here, and I'll readily admit that it was morbid curiosity and a feeling of being "cloistered" in my daily life which motivated me to see them.
I mean, I've seen some horrible stuff, but almost all of it consists of accidents or acts of God, rather than directed violence.
To answer the original question, I felt profoundly saddened and horrified after seeing the videos. I generally look for the best in human beings in all situations, and I'm a guy who's very sensitive to the pain of others. Bad combo.
I have a really hard time being optimistic about the human race when my mind tries to reconcile the fact that we are the same species as the psychopaths and discompassionate fanatics we share this world with.
Anyway, I don't think I'm "sick". I'm glad that I saw some of the material, because I will never EVER forget it. It brought home some realities, and might induce me to be more compassionate to my fellow man in situations which I would otherwise not be as receptive...