I came across this exhibition by chance. I hadn’t thought much about the Congo since studying its complex and violent history during my Masters in International Security and Conflict Studies in DCU. It made me a bit sad to think how such atrocities from our recent past go almost unnoticed unless we educate or stumble across horrifying images. The even sadder thing is that the atrocities are still happening as I write. Different countries, different decades, the same patterns of hate.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a period of study and be taught about security, terrorism studies, human rights violations and global conflict. The harsh reality is that awful injustice and cruelty can seem very distant when you finish study, embark on full time work and become busy with the modern stresses and strain of our world.
Life goes by quickly and we can get caught up in impending deadlines, socialising, worrying or enjoying, while often taking things for granted.
It can be good to stop every now and then. Stop and realise how lucky we are. Stop and read. Stop and think. Stop and learn.
That’s what this exhibition did for me.
