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图／多伦多史维会 Category: High School Theme: Transforming Hurt into Healing Grand Prize Winner: Sooa Kim - Intertwined
Reflection
1. In your opinion, why is the Asia-Pacific War an important part of history?
George Santayana once said: “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. As cliché as that may sound, it is true that most of Western world’s history curriculum has little focus on the Asia-Pacific War; despite the fact that it has tremendous implication in today’s society. What implications are there? First, there has been poor course of action following the aftermath of Asia-Pacific War. Thosewho have suffered--comfort women, prisoners of war, residents in suburbs around Harbin, and more--are far from being recognized and compensated. Lack of international pressure and inquiries, as well as “the-past-is-the-past” viewpoints allowed such injustice take place. The inconclusive nature of the atrocities during Asia-Pacific War offers the next generation an opportunity to achieve social justice for a past thathas been quietly tucked away. The ethical issues that these atrocities embody can be extrapolate in order to direct today’s global conflicts toward peace and reconciliation. Increased awareness may prevent infringement of human rights, as well as exploitations against certain groups. For example, the Holocaust exemplified the tragedies that can follow extreme ideology; thus, teaching future generations to avoid such tragedy from occurring again. Now, anyone who has had exposure history or discrimination would strongly oppose any political imprisonment and racial discrimination. Just as the Holocaust is used to exemplify; the Asia-Pacific War also has potential to create change.
2. Choose one historical event or individual from WWII in Asia that was the most memorable to you and explain why.
An individual whom I came across and found inspiration in while reading about WWII in Asia was John Rabe. His courage, determination, and compassion helped him emerge as a heroic figure; saving thousands of Chinese residents from the indiscriminate slaughter. In a situation clouded by utmost uncertainties—no guarantees for his safety, his family’s safety, and his future—he made a decision to follow his compassion and stand up for the community. In the past, I have come across many heroic figures such as: Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks. However, John Rabe still remains to be an interesting figure to me even when compared to those figures. Why? Unlike the well-known figures I listed above, John Rabe had a notorious title that followed him—Nazi. John Rabe, who was a Nazi, was simultaneously praised by the Chinese residents of Nanjing as the “Living Buddha”. John Rabe’s work can be followed and applied to current efforts to draw peace and reconciliation in theaftermath of the Pacific War and its’ atrocities. His advocacy demonstrates that compassion for humanity binds all walks of life together. No matter what the political platform, ethnic background, and religious beliefs are, we are hardwired to step towards justice and freedom. With that in mind, it becomes clear that international advocacy and support are the foundational forces in bringing forth peace and reconciliation. As with John Rabe, such movements stem from one determined, insightful individual. His actions protected the citizens of Nanjing and are still empowering individuals in today’s society to take challenges and stand up for justice. Such inspiration and empowerment can take place in educational settings; hence, education is the key to inspiring and empowering individuals. I will remember John Rabe for a long time.
3. Artist Statement The Pacific War has left deep scars; it is our generation’s obligation to transform pain into healing.
This artwork was created to warn our generation that pain should not be blindly covered up with ignorance, but transformed into an opportunity for learning. It is very easy to take a shallow approach and conclude that moving on quickly from past atrocities is the best way to draw peace. Through this piece, I am leaving a strong message to the public: ignorance is not bliss. Healing can only happen when the pain inflicted is remembered. The rope which extends from the left to the right, traces the beginning of the Second World War to present times. Its tightly bound strands represent the path that the humanity is bound to follow. There is a gradual shift to the colourful portion in the rope, which symbolizes a brighter future; filled with our stronger determination for peace and justice. The contrast provided by the colours is further enhanced with symbols situated right above the rope: a jet plane and a dove in the left and right corner, respectively. The left portion of the rope depicts WWII atrocities such as: bombings, the Bataan Death March, comfort women, Nanjing Massacre, and the inhumane treatments of POWs. Further right, the meeting of General MacArthur with the Japanese representatives on USS Missouri marks the beginning of peace. It is followed by depictions of: a soldier’s return to a devastated town, children holding up a dove, a young girl hugging a former comfort woman, and a student sharing food with a homeless. However, despite the change in atmospheres along the rope, it is important to remember that the strands are still connected firmly and intertwined. This further exemplifies the strong connection between the past and the present. The elaborate intertwining of the rope forces us to reflect, and not jump away from the past. It is important to note that the boy’s arm on the far right side extends and wraps back around to the bottom strand of the rope in the left side of the piece. In order heal those who have been hurt, our generation should be ready to be pro-active and not be afraid to embrace the past. The rope is hanging by itself without any support in this piece. This reminds us that the future is in our own hands; there is no external force that will guarantee us peace and the future is what we make it out to be. |
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