For more than five hours, I scrolled through my timeline on the X platform. I came across numerous posts sharing images of war victims, often accompanied by comments like, “Look at these beautiful people. They were killed today.”
These posts, featuring ‘beautiful’ victims, were widely reposted, with many responses expressing sorrow for the loss of such good-looking individuals. This reaction is not new to me; I’ve frequently observed that people grieve more for those they perceive as physically appealing rather than for the innocent lives lost.
The focus on the victims’ appearance rather than their humanity is disheartening. It reflects a troubling trend where media and social platforms, saturated with graphic images and videos of conflict, have desensitized us. This constant exposure leads us to empathize with victims based on superficial criteria rather than on the intrinsic value of every life lost.
It is particularly sad that less attractive individuals often receive less sympathy, even when they are innocent victims. Our reactions to global tragedies reveal a great deal about our humanity. Unfortunately, many people’s responses fall short of what one might hope for. As I reflect on the diverse victims—of different colors, ethnicities, and beliefs—I wish I could help others see that all these individuals are suffering and that all deserve equal respect and recognition.
Empathy should not be reserved for those we find aesthetically pleasing or familiar. It should extend to all who suffer, regardless of their appearance or background.
We do not need much effort or time to recognize and feel the suffering and misfortunes of others; we only need to be fully human. Embracing our shared humanity allows us to connect with and honor every life equally.
المينـــاء 