The inspiring sight of a nation peacefully demonstrating to end a 31-year dictatorship. Hundreds of thousands marching in the streets for Democracy. The triumph of non-violence protest over thuggery. The euphoria of watching a tyrant forced to retire. Then we have this.
Lara Logan, star reporter for CBS News was separated from her camera crew in Cairo's Tahrir Square during celebration of Mubarak's resignation. She was subjected to a brutal and sustained sexual assault.
That's so awful. What a nightmare she went through before soldiers and Egyptian women rescued her.
I learned about this incident yesterday and it has been rolling around in my mind ever since. I guess what really strikes me is the contrast between the restraint and high-minded ideals of the protesters --- who specifically protested Mubarak's torture of prisoners --- and the savageness of this action. It's disappointing. It has added a sour note to what was otherwise a inspiring story of idealism in action.
I suppose I should not be surprised.
Immanuel Kant famously said that "Out of the crooked timber of humanity, nothing straight was ever made." For all the high-flown rhetoric and lofty ideals we spout --- and even believe --- we are all savage animals. Or worse, actually. Animals don't have empathy for those they prey upon.
We have the ability to imagine ourselves in the place of those we victimize. Yet we victimize them anyway.
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