I find it such a shame that the actions of one person can have such a negative effect on entire nations. The news lately has examples of a single person's impact on politics and civil society. An anti-Islamic video has sparked riots around the world--no one in America sanctioned that action besides the person who committed it. Safarov, a man who acted on his own, was welcomed by his people for acting out the hatred that boils between Azerbaijan and Armenia with a murder all his own. Unlike the offensive video, this man's nation showed its support, unquestionably and assuredly. He is a hero for a murder.
This article on EU Observer just goes to show what one person's actions can do. Any hard work that was put towards peace and understanding in the region can be easily lost. But it wasn't Safarov alone - it was the officials of Azerbaijan that made it an Azeri story, their story. It's not just that Safarov murdered, but that he was celebrated for that murder by his own people. Instead of turning their heads in disgust, they threw up their hands in a cheer. I am sure there are dissenters who do not approve. There must be. But they are silent and invisible.
However, the scope of an individual's actions for the worse can be an inspiration for the better. One person can have an enormous effect, for better or for worse. It is far easier for poor actions to turn everything sour, but one by one, we can build up again. This is awfully philosophical, but society is made of individuals. Nations are made of individuals. Politics are driven by them. In order to harness the good of people, we must harness the good of one, and then another one. And another one. These are turbulent, uncertain times we live in, and we need to be able to count on good people.
Contemporary Discussion of Eastern Europe In All Its Glory
