The Dangers of Horror Fatigue
These images are so hard to look at. But they are so important to see.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues and shows no signs of cessation, I worry about something called “horror fatigue.”
“Horror fatigue” means exactly what it seems. Inevitably, we become fatigued by daily exposure to war, pain, suffering, and death. Ingenuously, hour-by-hour and day-by-day and week-by-week, we become detached. Gradually, we begin to tune out. Then, horror becomes “normal.” Finally, at some point — it’s ignored.
The horrific crimes against humanity committed by Vladimir Putin and the Russian regime which is entirely responsible for this mass devastation deserve our preoccupation. At the very least — our attention. Indeed, the world must watch. As gritty images of people just like you and me losing everything they own ticker across our television screens…..as yet another ghastly story airs about children suffering unspeakable hardships…..as reports come out about atrocities willfully committed by Russian troops attacking innocent civilians (and even bombing hospitals), we can stop and watch and show our respect and maybe a little concern. At least for a few minutes.
Then, later, afterward, we can all go on bitching about gas prices, our favorite football team making a blunder trade, the latest Netflix release, or the pasta dish we ordered for lunch. Some priorities, huh?
I do recognize that no person can give any crisis 100 percent of their attention. But, at least let’s start with watching things from a war that *must* be seen. As reports from Ukraine continue to come out and air, don’t let “horror fatigue” win. That’s precisely what Putin and the invaders want and expect. That eventually we won’t pay attention anymore.
These images are so hard to look at.
But they are so important to see.
I totally agree. It is hard to watch but we MUST watch it. Thanks for putting our petty grievances into perspective.