even though the mumbai event is not that long ago, it feels like ages ago, because coverage has all but disappeared… it seems like at least.
i followed the developments on bbc very closely. what struck me was how people who just experienced a great deal of stress become very matter of fact when telling their stories. nature’s survival mechanism kicks in, allowing some distance between participants and the horrific events they witness / experience so that they can figure out ways to survive. feelings shut down so that the rational brain can get you out of the situation safely.
one guy interviewed showed no grief reactions until he was well away from the hotel, in the safe confines of another hotel / the consulate ( i can’t remember which). was interesting to compare the video of him being interviewed right after he left the hotel and the audio of him interviewed hours later.
perhaps, in such situations, it’s better to give people a bit of time to digest what happened to get a truer / more humane account of it…
just a thought.
