Blood Diamond

I just watched the movie Blood Diamond. First heard about this movie from chao mien. Didn't think I would be interested in such a "heavy" storyline but was intrigued to watch it after my swimming teacher gave me rave reviews about this show.

So on Sunday, being sian about having nothing better to do, and not wanting to waste my weekend just rotting at home, I decided to go catch this movie ...

And am I glad I did. The movie is simply awesome! In short it is about how rough diamonds are used by rebel movements to to finance wars against the legitimate government and how civil war is rife in the country and killing is rampant. I was totally engaged in the show the entire 2+ hours! Although the story isn't real, but I think most of it is based on what is / was actually happening in Africa. So armed with my curiosity, I googled to find out a little more about blood diamonds:

1. Watch this to have a very quick & simplified understanding of what this is all about.
   


2. Conflict diamonds - Conflict diamonds, sometimes called blood diamonds, are diamonds that are sold to fund the unlawful and illegal operations of rebel, military and terrorist groups. Countries that have been most affected by conflict diamonds are Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo -- all places where citizens have been terrorized, mutilated and killed by groups in control of the local diamond trade.
   


3. Kimberly Process Certification Scheme - There indeed is such a process. Why Kimberly ? Because in May 2000, Southern African diamond producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, to come up with a way to stop the trade in conflict diamonds so that consumers could be confident that their diamond purchases do not contribute to violent conflict or human rights abuses.
   
   However, there are also reports that say the Kimberly Process, which is self-regulatory and voluntary, is nothing more than a public relations stunt in the part of the diamond industry. You can read more about it here.
   
   Download this to find out what you, as a consumer, can do when purchasing diamonds.
   

I'm sure this movie will help spread awareness about this illicit activity that is on-going in Africa (I for one is now a little educated about how my desire for a small little rock may cost so many people their lives). No doubt such awareness may be temporary and people will forget as time passes, especially when the repurcussions cannot be seen nor felt by the consumers, I'm still glad that this movie was made and brought the world to the attention of how millions of people out there are still suffering from such trade. While we are a population blessed with the everyday comfort and luxuries (all we worry about is having more $$, more time, less fats - haha, finding our purpose in life etc.), there are still millions out there suffering and living in hell. Worse of all, being tortured and abused and massacred by their own countrymen.

Well, with Valentine's Day near, do think about (and ask the few basic questions as mentioned in point 3 above) if you are choosing a rock for your loved one.

Is this going to put off the general public in buying diamonds ? Of course not. But hopefully people may start to insist on conflict free diamonds. Its only when there is demand and pressure from the market, that more could be done.

Highly recommended movie. In fact, one of the better movies I have watched in recent years.