Ingrid Betancourt was interviewed by Stephen Sackur on the BBC’s Hardtalk, yesterday (click here to watch the entire interview). She has been an inspiration to me and many others around the world, but after this interview I believe she has been elevated to the realm of a select few who have endured hardships beyond most of our wildest imaginations and emerged changed but not bitter. When asked what exactly the FARC did to her while was held captive she preferred not to answer those questions, saying instead that each day those things are coming to the surface in her mind and she has to deal with them before she speaks publicly about them. Sackur asked her if she didn’t feel anger and want retaliation when she saw the man who had held her for so many years lying on the floor of the rescue helicopter, and this is what she said, paraphrasing: No, I did not. We are humans and humans are separated from the rest of the animals by words. We must learn to use words to solve the world’s problems.
11 July 2008
Ingrid Betancourt on BBC
Ingrid Betancourt was interviewed by Stephen Sackur on the BBC’s Hardtalk, yesterday (click here to watch the entire interview). She has been an inspiration to me and many others around the world, but after this interview I believe she has been elevated to the realm of a select few who have endured hardships beyond most of our wildest imaginations and emerged changed but not bitter. When asked what exactly the FARC did to her while was held captive she preferred not to answer those questions, saying instead that each day those things are coming to the surface in her mind and she has to deal with them before she speaks publicly about them. Sackur asked her if she didn’t feel anger and want retaliation when she saw the man who had held her for so many years lying on the floor of the rescue helicopter, and this is what she said, paraphrasing: No, I did not. We are humans and humans are separated from the rest of the animals by words. We must learn to use words to solve the world’s problems.
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6 comments:
I haven't followed the news lately except I did hear about Ingrid's daring rescue. Man's greatest asset during terrible and horrific conditions is the ability to forgive their oppressor. It's a divine thing, and if Ingrid chooses to use words to solve the world's problems, that's fine by me.
Personally, I was horrified when Mr. Sackur wanted to pry into her privacy by inquiring about the physical abuse she must have endured while a captive for those six years. It may be journalism, but to me if was a callous thing to request of her. I, for one, do not need to know those private things. It is enough to see that she is free while trying to adjust to her new surroundings.
Barbara-- If you though Sackur was awful for asking her that question, you should have heard the Larry King interview that aired last night. Instead of taking her polite refusal to discuss the subject he pressed her for more, interrupted her when she was explaining why she didn't want to talk about it, and broke for ads (for CNN) right in the middle of her story. It was truly one of the most insensitive interviews I have ever heard. He made the attack-dog, Sackur, look like a therapy dog. What a bore!
I watched this today, the first time I've actually seen her interviewed since her release, and was extremely struck by her poise. That she isn't a quivering wreck after what she's been through is a miracle in itself. I'm not surprise, nor do I blame, Sackur for his question. It's a reasonable question for a journalist to ask as, he's right, people will be curious. But she declines to answer, and he doesn't press the point. From the journalist's point of view, maybe she would have given some details, but if you don't ask the question... In any event, I think we all can take something from her tremendous equanimity.
Seems that there are still trials and tribulation to endure in the form of the press. She seems to have a backbone of steel and a heart of gold despite all she's been through. Or because of it.
M and Ruth- She remains a beacon of light to me of how one can survive humiliations and indignities with such grace.
Yes, she has to face the press, but I'd say she's up to it. *They* probably seem like putty compared to what she has endured. I can only imagine.
Seven years. I wonder how I'd fair? It makes our little ordeal here in the jungle seem relatively insignificant. If she can escape with such forgiveness in her heart, surely Alan and I can do the same...
There is apparently a fellow captive- a Columbian military medic--who was held for ten years, and who helped her through some very low times. She, I heard, is trying to get him admitted to French Medical school.
Hello Sarah. I haven't seen or heard these interviews, but I did see an interview with the mother of a young black man,Anthony Walker, in England.He was a gentle young man murdered in an attack which was committed for no other reason other than the colour of his skin. His mother was a most awe-inspiring example of an incedible spirit of acceptance and forgiveness. As she said "I don't do hate. I have never known how to hate. My children were bought up this way.I use this tragedy to bring awareness by setting up the Anthony Walker Foundation to educate others about racially motivated crime." She was quiet, and gentle, and although in much pain, so very noble. I am in awe of these womens' courage, backbone and example.
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