Since the Pike River Mine disaster of November 19, 2010 in Greymouth and the devastating Earthquakes in Christchurch on September 4, 2010 and February 22, 2011, we had hoped that the trauma would gradually heal.
However, the recent devastating Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan has again peeled the scab from the wound of trauma. The live pictures of the ocean’s assault on land, destroying everything in its path were a ghastly sight and a salutary warning on the vulnerability of life on earth. We were silent spectators of the unfolding tragedy, helpless to do anything to avert or lessen the pain and suffering of the victims.
Increasingly, Nature is asserting its turf and authority that humanity had usurped and violated. For too long, we have trespassed into the forbidden territory, challenging and violating Nature.
The thunderous roar of the Tsunami in Japan shook the world.
The tremor of the trauma still lives in our hearts and minds.
But spare a thought for those who suffered the consequences of the earthquake, tsunami and consequent threat of Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown. The air, water, plants and all living creatures are now under threat of being impacted by radiation from the emissions escaping from the nuclear facility.
Japanese scientists and engineers are fighting a fearsome battle to contain the situation but most predict that nuclear plant meltdown cannot be avoided.
However, we believe that Japan will succeed.
The Japanese are unique people. Their tenacity, patriotism and pride of being Japanese, will drive them to achieve the impossible.
Already, those who have ventured to work in an extremely dangerous environment, exposing themselves to radiation, have shown that for them to lay their lives for the country is a small call.
Not many countries can boast the patriotic and sacrificial spirit of their people, as Japan can. Indeed, true patriotism means being prepared to lay one’s life for one’s country.
Such citizens are increasingly becoming rare, as a majority would, rather sacrifice the country to secure and enrich their own lives.
Former US President John Kennedy’s famous statement, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country (his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 after taking oath of office) still rings loud in the ears of those who heard or read it.
It spurred Americans like nothing else and its residual effect continues to inspire the hearts and minds of Americans even today.
They have continued to lay their lives wherever America has engaged itself.
However, the spirit of patriotism in the Japanese people is part of their lives.
Unlike others, they do not flex their muscles, shouting from the rooftops but in their own calm and simple way they persevere and persist beyond endurance. Their resolve remains indomitable, defined and directed.
The current crisis has again ignited the spirit of unity and sacrifice in the Japanese people. In a tempestuous situation, the Japanese people remained calm, composed and caring for one another. They wore the garment of tranquility and dignity even in a hysterical situation.
The tragedy overwhelmed them but the aura of dignity, serenity and composure could never be wrenched from them. They stood in long queues patiently for their rations; there was no violence, looting or queue-jumping.
Organisation, discipline and concern for others, even by the victims of the tragedy have been on open display to the world. No extra police personnel had to be deployed to maintain law and order.
Yet, in Christchurch, following the February 22 Earthquake, New Zealand had to enlist the services of 300 police from Australia to ensure safety and security of life and property in the affected areas.
Comparatively, in Japan, people went out to the devastated areas to look for family members and survivors and not to loot or take advantage of the situation. Foreign journalists were stunned to see the honesty, simplicity and integrity of Japanese people and they searched in vain for a single case of violence, panic or uncontrolled hysteria.
There was no finger-pointing or public condemnation of the Government or the authorities, as people individually and collectively took the national responsibility to alleviate each other’s suffering in whatever way they could.
Everyone has given hope on the containment of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Not a single country has volunteered to assist Japan.
Most consider it to be a death zone and abandoned Japan in its hour of greatest need.
However, Japan has not given up and has unleashed the patriotic power of its people, as its scientists and engineers race against time to contain the situation.
They know the consequences of exposure to radiation but they have gallantly walked into the death zone, prepared to lay their lives in serving the nation.
Indeed, when a nation has this prevailing spirit of sacrifice in its people, it can triumph over any tragedy. Comparatively, most other countries would have collapsed in chaos and confusion and the hysterical wailing of people would have been heard across the world. Yet, the Japanese people have contained their sorrows in silence, swallowed their tears and have not engaged in bitterness or acrimony but are slowly coming to reconcile with the tragedy and move on.
Their patience, endurance and resilience are perhaps unmatched in recent history.
