Gary Bateman Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Author's Notes: "What Kind of People Are We" is a very poignant narrative write that I think from the tone and tenor of its words, thoughts, and observations speaks loud and clear for itself. It reflects my personal and professional view, as a poet and writer, concerning the ongoing migrant tragedy unfolding in our world today. It's constitutes my individual plea and intellectual demand for reason, justice, charity, and humanity toward those migrant people seeking to escape tyranny, poverty, and war -- and to fulfill their quest in finding a better and more peaceful life for their families in other countries outside the tragic battle zones of Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and other countries in this geographical region. I structured this narrative in such a way to get people's attention on the severity and magnitude of this vexing problem of international migration. I pulled no punches in my narrative. I have some tough things to say as you will read in this narrative, but for me, they are things from my perspective that need to be said above and beyond what most of us read in newspapers and magazines, and watch on occasion when we all tune-in to the 24-hour news cycle. Situations of this severe nature can only improve if everyone gets involved to ensure that the all of the world governments and the politicians (and the United Nations) do all they can to craft realistic, meaningful, and enforceable solutions to this crisis--far above and beyond what has already been done, if anything, in the past. Nothing is impossible, if people choose to live and work together and to do always the right thing. Unfortunately, given the vagaries of human nature this is not always possible which is why it's great to have an enforcement mechanism in place to hold any offenders' feet to the fire. And, if it means any dictators and criminals have a bad day, then So Be It!! (Gary Bateman - September 11, 2015) (Narrative)

Categories: conflict, fear, humanity, immigration, international, poverty, and war.

What Kind of People Are We

What Kind of People Are We

In a Shakespearean sense of tragedy and doubt the well-used
“To Be or Not To Be” from Hamlet is not the question I shall
discuss in this narrative. Rather, I shall consider a few things
concerning the current Middle Eastern and European migrant
situation that has riveted the attention of the countries in those
regions as well as the rest of the world. And it’s my opportunity
to reflect on some of the things that have occurred (and are still
occurring right now), that I find quite troubling and morally 
offensive to me as concerned person and citizen.

As a writer and poet, and as a moral human being, I can say
that I was truly shocked at the sight of an innocent, young Syrian 
refugee boy named “Aylan Kurdi,” who had drowned and was lying 
face down on a Turkish beach near a resort with his head turned
slightly on its right side, as the ebb and flow of the salted waves
pushed and pulled on his little body. A real tragedy for sure that
might have been prevented, if humane, responsible, and responsive
migrant immigration policies had been in place so his father
would not have been compelled to put his wife and both of his 
sons—who all drowned together—on that fateful boat at the very
mercy of ruthless and evil human traffic smugglers.

The horrendous scenes played over and over on the 24-hour news 
cycle of the migrants and their innocent children from Syria, Iraq, 
Turkey, Afghanistan, and other countries being treated like cattle
(or even less than cattle), and indiscriminately pushed around and
tear-gassed by unfriendly and unwelcoming jack-booted Hungarian 
Rendorség (Police) were certainly most shocking and disgustingly 
revulsive by both their malicious tenor and insidious intent. The
actions also of some right-wing Hungarian demonstrators hurling
loud and abusive comments at the refugees was also quite tragic
and disturbing. I found the actions of the Hungarian Police under
the direction of Prime Minister Viktor Orban to be similarly
reminiscent of the actions of Hitler’s Gestapo and Sturmabteilung
or the SA Troops after 1933 in Nazi Germany. Shame on them!
Shame on them! This is the same old tired bigotry and stupidity
on display today.

Despite these despicable actions of the Hungarian Police and many 
of Mr. Orban’s governmental officials, a number of Hungarian
citizens still showed their kindness and humanity in helping the
migrants at various junctures on the autobahn as they trekked
toward the Austrian border in route ultimately to Germany. This
caught my obvious attention as well.

For me, the “so-what?” here turns ultimately upon the following
philosophical and human question: “What Kind of People Are We?”
The migrant problem as we know is largely the result of the massive
displacement of people that has occurred (and is still occurring) in
in the war-torn countries in the Middle East and in certain areas of
Southeast Asia. This tragedy is one of many of our world’s current
and future 21st-century challenges. How each of us as “concerned 
citizens,” in consonance with the policies and actions of the various
governments in the countries we each live under, will certainly
play a role in reflecting in the end the kind of people we really are. 

For me, the nationalistic actions of the right-wing parties and
extremists, in many countries (including the United States) and 
particularly now in Europe, provide no real solution at all, and 
become a convenient excuse for many people to forsake their
conscience and basic humanity—and to stick their heads in the 
sand like a bunch of frightful ostriches lost in the reveries of
their hate and prejudice, and disgraceful cowardice! There can
be no apology and justification for this ever! This type of
behavior is a deep-seated cancer ever-lurking in the genes of 
our human society and in mankind’s soul—awaiting its chance
to metastasize and reek its horrible destruction upon its victims.  

The point I’m driving at is this: The current responsible actions
of a number of world leaders, to particularly highlight those of
the European Union, appear to be taking several of the right steps 
in helping these refugee migrants and their families undergoing
this terrible strife forced upon them by the tyranny of war and the
resultant poverty and dislocation. Being stupid, hateful, and clearly
prejudiced as some people and certain governmental leaders are in
our global community today is not the answer and it never will be!

To people who really do care about this ongoing migrant tragedy,
it’s time to rally and act in support of local, regional, and worldwide
efforts to help these migrant people and their families so afflicted
by poverty, disease, war, injury, death, and territorial displacement. 

For me, I desire to make my voice heard loud and clear as a writer,
poet, and concerned world citizen on this matter and in my own
most humble way. Keep in mind that many of us are descendants
of families who at one time or another were migrants from other
countries escaping the whip and lash of cruel dictators and their
terrible regimes masquerading as legitimate governments of the
people. 

In my estimation, the kind of people we should be or aspire to be
are those who relish the winds of freedom, the certainty of justice,
the spirit of friendship, the values of fairness and fair play, the
magnificence of humanity, the desire for cultural diversity and
inclusion, and the love of our fellow man under the very eyes
of God Himself. 

What kind of people are we? With this, I rest my case. 

Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
September 11, 2015 (Narrative)

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Kp Nunez September 14, 2015 at 6:33 AM An eloquent, articulate expression of what and how a human being feels about the subject/s. I admire your fearless declarations and how your voice reverberates about such horrendous situations, Gary. May this write be viewed by many and thereby add to the call for action from more people and governments to come together in aid of those who need concrete expression of our humanity. Excellent, Gary! hugs! Gary Bateman September 14, 2015 at 6:42 AM Hello Kim!! Thanks for your gracious and most timely comments reference this very important narrative write. Although it's posted on Poetry Soup, it's actually for the much greater audience beyond Poetry Soup. It will be for sure in my second planned book. And I'm presently considering other options for wider distribution. This crisis is only now starting, and given all of the hot spots now in our world, it must considered along with other migrant movements, now to be a worldwide problem. Thanks again Kim!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Jadazzle United September 12, 2015 at 7:17 PM thought provoking powerful write Gary - kudos to you for tackling this subject:-) hugs Jan xx Gary Bateman September 13, 2015 at 9:35 AM Thank You so much JADAZZLE UNITED for your wonderful comment and for the kudos. This is indeed a subject/topic that will not go away lightly. With passion and vigor, I expressed several salient thoughts and points that I think needed to be said to our community of writers and poets as a whole. What's needed now are for the Governments and Leaders in the world (and many thoughtful people too) to get onboard a do the right things in helping this mass of humanity in its hour of greatest need. As I've written, "What Kind of People Are We?" Best Always, Gary

Alexis Y. September 12, 2015 at 5:05 PM Gary, this is a well written thought provoking piece.It brougt tears to my eyes hearing about the young boy that drowned .You are truly an amazing person and writer who cares about the state of humanity. How do I know this? Its reflected in the pieces that you sonskillfully pen. Excellent write my soup friend :-) Alexis 7 +++ Gary Bateman September 12, 2015 at 6:32 PM Hello Alexis!! I really appreciate your read here on my narrative poem on the refugee crisis. (And, thanks too for the 7+++!!) I felt I had to write something, especially living here in Europe and in Germany!! Being a poet and writer for me means be unafraid to state your stand on tough, challenging topics when you need to. Poets, in my estimation, should also be unafraid when needed to function, if you will, like a conscience for mankind. This purview just doesn't uniquely belong to journalists. After all, we are all part of the same unique humanity here on Earth, aren't we?? Thanks again Alexis!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter September 11, 2015 at 2:27 PM Hi G! A most powerful poem,you've written here my dear friend Gary.Very sad in content and subject, but very beautifully written. Filled of so much truth,G.Yes, it is so very sad what's going on all around our world everyday. So many very sad and horrible injustices and bad things taking place all over our planet, and it really saddens me so much and fills my heart and soul with so much sorrow n' sadness. All so very sad n' tragic indeed,G.Thanks for writing n' sharing this excellent piece.Golden pen!A 7 + Fav!I hope all is well with you, G.Wishing you the best with your writing.Sending love n' prayers to you and Ingrid!You take good care of each other now. All the best to you always, G! Wishing you a very lovely weekend!In His light!God bless you always!:)D. Gary Bateman September 11, 2015 at 2:48 PM Hello Dear "D"!! It is indeed very wonderful to hear from you, and I really do appreciate your time in reading and commenting on this quite complex narrative write of mine on the migrant refugee crisis. (And thanks for the 7 + FAV too!!) It is a quite sad situation. This is a write that I had to do, to go on record where I stand as a poet and writer. This one will for sure be in my next planned book. (I still actually standing down from PS until the end of the month -- taking a break. I will be back in the 2-3 weeks with new poetry and a new focus, and will drop by to catch-up on your latest poetry Dear One "D"!!) Best Wishes from Ingrid and me!! "G"!!

Anne-Lise Andresen September 11, 2015 at 12:41 PM - As a fellow human and a warm heart .... this is inhuman ... not predators behave this way - When I mention "heart" there is no heart in these actions - Brutally, heartless, hate, revenge, power, no responsibility, close their eyes and ears - all fail, no one will take responsibility ... no! - Justice .... "play with the right cards" - What Kind of People Are We? .... the question scares me ...... because I can not answer it !!!!! - Gary this is really well written !!!!! hugs // Anne-Lise :) Anne-Lise Andresen September 11, 2015 at 2:36 PM - You're absolutely right, Gary !!!! Gary Bateman September 11, 2015 at 1:38 PM Hello Dear Anne-Lise!! Thanks so much for your read of this complex polemic write and for your comments. The realism and emotion of your words do indeed mean a lot. This is the greatest migration of destitute people since the end of World War II. It's time for the rest of the world to get on board with everything and show their humanity and compassion for these poor afflicted people. To do less or nothing at all is a true sin, and it only compounds this problem even more!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Liam Mcdaid September 11, 2015 at 12:22 PM this for me is a powerful piece of truth i am also disgusted with the way those poor souls are being treated average of 6 kids a day are being killed more than world war two average how sad it makes me feel all brothers and sisters i pray people wake up from their slumber poem of the week i say gary brilliant piece of writing standing in the light Gary Bateman September 11, 2015 at 12:37 PM Absolutely Liam Mate!! Your words indeed make absolute sense. What's going on with all of the migrant refugees is quite shameful. I'll leave it there since my poem touches on the problems and challenges in depth. Best Wishes for the Weekend!! Cheers and Best, Gary