Since 1994, I wonder what the Aprils of Rwanda feel like for that country. Do they come and go unnoticed? Do flags fly at half-mast there as in our country at times of loss and remembrance? Do birds cease to sing? Does a heavy cloud of memories fall upon countrywomen and men as the calendar brings up a month symbolic of past events?
It's on my mind, obviously. As is the 20th century Holocaust that occurred during the second World War. i have now looked at that chapter of human history deeper than ever before and the motivations, facts and stories of this event forever boggle the mind. Incomprehensible is the word that comes up for me, time and time again.
The Humanities course I'm finishing up this month -- "A History of Anti-Semitism in Western Culture: From Antiquities to the Shoah" -- has been taught by a charming professor, fresh with much-needed wit and great storytelling ability. In our most recent class, he said something in relation to the thousands upon thousands of Jews being led to their deaths daily, especially from 1942 until the end of the war:
"we (humans) are somewhat finite in our ability to conceive of large numbers."
and, it's so true. 6 million. 6 million? Well, I have to try to see 800,000 of something, from one vantage point. And somehow, I hope that i can see a glimpse of the individual within that gigantic number.
The class finishes up later this month and then, i'll return to the work of this art piece in may. until then...
