While traveling through Ecuador's jungle, a group of four North Americans, consisting of three urban men, came across a village called Providencia. In this village, they encountered a disturbing sight: a deer trapped by its neck in a noose and tied to a tree.
Its emaciated body dragged along the ground. The deer had been captured that morning and would be prepared for dinner later that night. For fifteen minutes, both travelers and villagers observed as the injured animal desperately struggled in vain to break free. Unfazed by the deer's distress, the travelers proceeded to enjoy their lunch. They were served a stew made of shredded meat and rice. Curiously, when the narrator inquired about the type of deer that had been tied to the tree, she received a simple answer of "Gama." It was then revealed that
...the stew they were consuming was also made from Gama. Despite the circumstances, the narrator expressed astonishment at the high quality and tenderness of the meat.
The narrator surprised the three men when they noticed her lack of reaction to the "awful" event she had witnessed earlier that day. Shortly after, the story transitions to the narrator being at home. In front of her mirror, while combing her hair, she notices a newspaper photograph taped to it. The photograph is of Alan McDonald in a Miami hospital bed, as he is a burn victim for the second time.
Thirteen years ago, he suffered burns from flaming gasoline, and now, after thirteen years, he is once again burned, this time by gunpowder. While lying in his hospital bed, Alan McDonald questions why God seems to have a vendetta against him. Hi
wife shares her own thoughts on the situation, stating that it is simply unjust. Life often brings unfairness to both humans and animals alike, resulting in pain and suffering. However, what truly matters is how one chooses to navigate through such circumstances. At first glance, the narrator appears emotionally disconnected as evidenced by her lack of empathy towards those who are helpless. Despite witnessing a horrifying event involving a deer, she has no reservations about consuming meat from the same species.
One person believed that if his wife were in the same situation, she would have taken immediate action to relieve the animal's suffering. He emphasized her relentless efforts to ensure that the creature no longer experienced pain (p713). On the other hand, it could be inferred that she may simply not understand the reasons behind such situations, like with the deer and Mr. McDonald. She might view them as enigmatic situations rather than problems (p713). However, from my perspective, the narrator is not lacking emotional attachment and is not seeking answers to unanswerable questions.
She is a realist and recognizes that such occurrences are commonplace, regardless of whether they have a purpose or not. She comprehends the existence of global suffering and acknowledges that worrying about it accomplishes nothing. The reason she didn't intervene to rescue the deer when it was in distress, only to see it eat soon after, is straightforward: she understands that every living being must consume food to survive.
The villagers rely on hunting for sustenance, and it is considered disrespectful to decline a meal that has been prepared for you. Additionally, it is seen as dishonoring the animal to consume its meat
without acknowledging its sacrifice. The narrator attaches a newspaper article about Mr. McDonald's ordeal as a constant reminder that one should never lose hope, but instead persevere and keep living.
According to a source (p714), it was stated that individuals who endure severe burns have a tendency to suffer from mental instability and a significantly elevated suicide rate. However, Mr. McDonald demonstrated a different outcome after experiencing his first burn incident thirteen years ago. Rather than succumbing to despair, he persevered and chose to embrace life.
After thirteen years, was it fair for it to happen to him again? Mrs. McDonald expressed her dissatisfaction with the statement, "Man, it just isn't fair." (p714) Nonetheless, the focus should not be on fairness. The true concern is whether he will decide to continue progressing in his life following this repetition. In my perspective, he will probably choose to do so.
Mr. McDonald previously faced a similar situation and managed to overcome it, enjoying thirteen more years with his loved ones. Since he has already endured the pain once before, dealing with it a second time may not be as tough for him. Thus, there appears to be no reason for him to contemplate suicide now that he is confronting a comparable challenge once again. Personally, I empathize with the story's narrator because I too have witnessed unfair treatment in life due to race or without any apparent cause.
Although I have been fortunate to never experience suffering myself, I have witnessed it firsthand. In April of 2008, my uncle sadly passed away. His incredible strength in the midst of immense suffering continues to inspire me, motivating me to fully embrace life's
possibilities. When he was in his twenties, he received the devastating news that his kidneys were failing. He endured frequent blood transfusions as he patiently waited for a kidney transplant from the donor list. As he lay on his deathbed at the hospital, uncertain about what would happen next, there was a glimmer of hope when the doctors received news that a potential donor had been found.
He received the kidney he desperately required through a transplant, but its lifespan was limited to only 10 years. He viewed this as a divine gift of 10 additional years. As time passed and he married and had a child, the approaching 10-year milestone became significant. Thankfully, the second transplant experience was more favorable, with a shorter waiting period.
Following the surgery, my uncle discovered that he had received a kidney from a 12-year-old boy who tragically died in a car accident. This led to contemplation on whether it was morally justifiable for my uncle to continue living while the young boy lost his life and if he used the transplant as an escape from suffering. Despite this, my uncle made the decision to embrace life completely by engaging in various activities such as visiting his birthplace in Vietnam, capturing award-winning photographs, and treasuring his family. However, as the ten-year anniversary approached, a new obstacle emerged - he no longer qualified for inclusion on the donor list.
Despite our desires, suffering and injustice are inevitable in life. This is exemplified by my uncle's experience of enduring constant agony through blood transfusions until his passing at Saint Joseph Hospital in April. His lifetime was filled with unrelenting pain. When misfortune befalls us
or our loved ones, we often lament "That's just not fair" or "life isn't fair." However, the fundamental truth remains that life is inherently unfair and unavoidable.
Unfairness and suffering can take various forms for humans, such as racial profiling, religious discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities. However, in the cases of both the deer and Mr. McDonald, it is evident that fairness is absent.
Why did the deer, Mr. McDonald, my uncle, and that 12-year-old boy all have to suffer? These questions are not just issues; they are enigmas. The way we stand up and strive to live will make a difference. I will leave you with two quotes: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" - Confucius, and "It's not your fault you were born with nothing, but it is your fault if you die with nothing" - Bill Gates.
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