The World's Perception on Sudan

I have chosen to do my assignment on the international criminal courts and Sudan. I will first go into detail on the New York Time’s article and small clip called, “ Impressions of Sudan’s President.” Next, I will go into detail on the news stories of Sudan’s President Omar Al Bashir, and how this relates to  Wieviorka's book. Lastly, I will explain my personal experience with a survivor from Sudan, and how his life is perceived as a part of history.

Throughout the article, “Impressions of Sudan’s President” it became apparent that Sudan’s President showed no remorse throughout the years of genocide, rape crimes, and the destruction of his people. The President of Sudan states that the charges and accusations were “made up.” Nonetheless, I believe that the International Criminal Court will face pressure from the entire world to seek justice because this has been viewed in society as a “massacre” on innocent people. Which brings up the question: Will the President of Sudan receive a fair trial? Throughout class we’ve touch on the fact that the perception in the public sphere can have a big impact on vital decisions.
We also touch on Wieviorka’s point of view about how historical content structures everything. I believe the crimes in Sudan will finally get justice. On the other hand, many people fear that the indictment on Omar Al Bashir will result in more violence and hate crimes. In this article it states:
“Some have contended that an ICC indictment of the President of Sudan, which enforces international law and holds him accountable for his crimes, is necessary for sustained peace. Others are concerned that such an indictment could negatively impact the peace negotiations, prolonging war or perhaps even accelerating it – resulting in more deaths, sexual violence, destruction, and misery.” (http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/0EF62173-05ED-403A-80C8-F15EE1D25BB3.htm)

Either way the indictment of Omar Al Bashir” will be seen throughout the world is an example of a world leader being punished, and hopefully it will become a step towards progression for the people in Sudan. Overall, I believe the pictures, video clips, pod casts, and television send a strong message throughout the entire world. The material that is being shown from Sudan clearly shows the ongoing genocide that is happening. As a result, society only knows what they see through media outlets, and I believe this method will have a big influence on the decision of Omar Al Bashir’s indictment.

A good friend of mine in college, Ayuen (AJ) Garang was known on campus as a survivor of Sudan’s war. At first, I had no idea of his past history. We stood on the same floor together and immediately became friends. He was looked upon as an iconic figure throughout campus. It wasn’t until the spring semester that I had realized I was hanging out with a person who came from the struggle of Sudan. I remember it was the first day of the spring semester, and the professor wanted to know our names and what described us as a person. When the question was asked to Ayuen, he took out a piece of medal from his pocket, and said, “ My name is Ayuen Garang… and I am like this medal. Nothing can break me.” Ayuen can be compared to Holocaust survivors in many ways. The reason I say this is because in society he is viewed as a “survivor from Sudan,” and will be known as one for the rest of his life. The same can be said for Holocaust survivors as well because of the fact society perceives them as historical figures.