Picture a vibrant cartoon-style scene at the beach. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, and waves are rolling in. In the middle of the waves, you see a playful and goofy-looking monster riding a colorful surfboard. The monster is covered in wild, shaggy fur with vibrant hues of blue and green. It has a pair of eyes, with each looking in a different direction, giving it a comically bewildered expression.
The surfboard under the monster is equally colorful, with swirls of pink, yellow, and orange. The monster is riding the wave with a mix of excitement and apprehension, its arms flailing in the air for balance. Its large, webbed feet are gripping the edges of the surfboard, ensuring it doesn’t tumble into the water.
Behind the monster, a spray of water is caught in mid-air, frozen in a moment of action. Seagulls are soaring above, some curiously observing the unusual scene, while others appear to be caught off guard and are squawking in surprise.
Without warning, the atmosphere changes drastically. The sky, once sunny and clear, darkens as ash clouds begin to billow out from a distant mountain. The monster’s expression shifts from playful excitement to one of surprise and concern.
As it looks inland, it notices the towering silhouette of Mount Vesuvius against the darkening sky. The mountain, which had been quiet for so long, is now spewing thick plumes of ash and smoke high into the atmosphere. Rivers of lava can be seen snaking down the mountain’s slopes, pyroclastic flows instantly devour everything in their horrific path.
The once-idyllic beach scene is now filled with an eerie glow as the erupting volcano casts an orange-red light. The monster’s flailing arms, which were once raised in joy on the surfboard, are now held to its chest in a mixture of fear and astonishment. Seagulls that were once playfully circling are now frantically flying away from the scene, squawking in distress.
Despite its cartoonish appearance, the monster’s expression conveys a sense of empathy and concern for the people in the nearby towns, who are now faced with the devastating eruption. The juxtaposition of the whimsical monster against the catastrophic event creates a poignant image that underscores the magnitude of the tragedy and the shared experiences of witnessing natural disasters.
As I was surfing earlier today (the web not waves) I saw that August 24, 2023 is “Vesuvius Day”, is that really ok with you? I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that a natural disaster of epic proportions has its own day.
While commemorating historical events can provide valuable opportunities for reflection and education, designating a named “Mt. Vesuvius Day” on the anniversary of the volcano’s eruption, on August 24th, may raise certain concerns. Here are several reasons why such a day might not be appropriate and one suggestion for them to consider.
Tragedy and Loss: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, AD 79, was a catastrophic event that led to the destruction of several Roman cities, most notably Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the loss of thousands of lives. Designating a day to celebrate or name after this tragedy could be seen as disrespectful to the memory of those who suffered and died during the eruption.
Insensitive to Descendants: The descendants of those who perished in the eruption or whose lives were disrupted may find the idea of celebrating or naming a day after such a traumatic event distressing and insensitive.
Commercialization Concerns: Designating a “Mt. Vesuvius Day” could potentially lead to commercialization and commodification of the tragedy. Turning a tragic event into a marketing opportunity, even unintentionally, could be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate.
Misinterpretation of Intent: Despite any good intentions, creating a named day might be misunderstood by the public or media. It could come across as trivializing the event or using it for entertainment purposes, rather than honoring its historical significance.
Cultural Sensitivity: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is part of a complex historical and cultural narrative. Creating a named day could inadvertently overlook the nuanced historical context and cultural sensitivities associated with the event.
Ethical Considerations: Celebrating or naming a day after a tragedy raises ethical questions about the appropriateness of remembering or commemorating certain events. It’s important to approach such decisions with sensitivity and respect for the perspectives of various stakeholders.
Educational Approach: Instead of naming a day, efforts could be directed toward educational initiatives, museum exhibitions, or public talks that focus on the history, science, and lessons learned from the eruption. This approach is more likely to promote understanding and respect for the past.
Ultimately, any decision regarding commemorating historical events should be made with careful consideration of the feelings and sensitivities of those affected by the event, as well as the historical and cultural context surrounding it. It’s essential to balance remembrance with respect and ensure that the intent behind such initiatives is clear and respectful.
Using the Italians’ logic, Louisiana should have a Hurricane Katrina Day. I suppose there should be a Deepwater Horizon Remembrance Day too. Florida has a few hurricanes they could transform into holidays too. Am I right? I’m not sure I understand Naples wanting to be reminded yearly that their municipality and its environs, sit in the shadow of an active volcano. Can they purchase volcano indemnity? That’s the kind of threat that’s almost impossible to mitigate and predict.
