Two minutes silence
Written By:
- Date published:
6:53 am, March 1st, 2011 - 25 comments
Categories: disaster -
Tags: christchurch earthquake, remembrance
Today at 12:51 pm marks exactly one week since the earthquake struck, and probably around 300 people lost their lives.
PM John Key has called on the country to observe 2 minutes silence, starting at that time, to honour the victims of the quake.
For me the photograph below, more than any other single image, captures the scale and intensity of the quake as it hit*.
*With thanks to The Herald and the photographer.
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“No comments on “Two minutes silence” it says above 🙂
Damn! Spoiled it!
And this gem from Farrar, Robert:
Ah indeed.
I guess that he means they will broadcast carrier wave only.
When did it stop being a (single) minute of silence (instead of two, I’m sure it just used to be one), is that inflation caused by the national government?
I think it’s in response to the scope of the disaster. If it had been, say, 10 people dying in a plane crash, it might be 1 minute of silence.
But you’re right, I think going back to the 80’s and earlier it was probably just a single minute of silence, whenever something warranted it.
A minute is indeed traditional – but I have to say I felt manipulated by this ‘two minute’ thing. Then again, I am not a fan of standardised grieving so I’m hardly the target audience.
Two minutes at Pike River as well.
Looks like somebody’s made a conscious decision to alter what we do on our behalf without telling us. Some may even say NANNY STATE
I cannot believe you could sink so low. Respect . 7 letters.. Look it up in the dictionary
The problem with respect and you is that you don’t command any….
Yes, recidivist beneficiary-bashing blackshirts suddenly morphing into pious holier-than-thou finger-waggers is hilarious at first, but don’t repeat the joke Fis. Moronity bores quickly.
who are you complaining about fizzy?
I doubt he even knows anymore.
I can’t believe Aretha didn’t think of that one: “♪ R,E,S,P,E,C,T – Look it up in the dictionary ♫”
Felix – Otis was the original singer of this and i think you know what he means by respect
Aretha Franklin was much better
lol
“I cannot believe you could sink so low”
This is a refrain used by conservatives whenever their dictates are questioned.
It’s a bullying tactic.
it’s also a comment which reflects the conservative disposition that compared to themselves, the masses are both uncouth and unwashed.
Im reluctent to make an adverse comment over a disaster like ChCh. However I was more than concerned that the two minute silence turned into a Christian ritual and service. As an atheist I was rather turned off the whole service. Then I thought well what about the other religions, were only Christian people killed . If so I wonder why ,is there another message here.?
What do you mean in particular, pp?
Everyone has the right to grieve in their own way. But if people have been imposing their way of grieving onto others then that’s inappropriate.
I am not a fan of ‘standardised grieving’ as I call it – being forced into silence by the powers that be. It’s too often used as a PR exercise for me to view it as anything but a cynical attempt to ‘unite’ us when I feel we’re always united. I see why others need and want this. I don’t.
By the way, before the Fisi’s of the world attack me – I lost someone I knew in quake. And I’m remembering and honouring him just fine without bowing to some arbitrary silence…
I observed the 2 minutes silence to respect the people lost and hurt a week ago.
our tears dry as
salty trails in the nor-wester
that heated wind
slides forcefully within the rubble
it continues
restlessly toward the sea, our lives
emergency
that digs our sides and cuts our shoulders
it is all us
that hot breath knows it holds everything.
Kia kaha Christchurch/Otautahi.
Well said marty.
It was good. We did it at work. A lot of sites were shut down (web). Lots of people on the street. Good stuff.