9-The Bloodbath


The Peruvian conflict was one with an intriguing, terrifying violence that horrified all, and was justified by only some people's points of view. Coping and trying to make sense of violence, with a hint of romanticism, many began to write about the dualism that existed between good and evil in a period of unorganized terror. Along with personal accounts, leaders began to speak of reform in a time when people were looking for an end to such violence.
In "The Interview of the Century," an interview of Chairman Gonzalo, he spoke of the "need for revolutionary violence," and that he believes is a universal law with no exception. This made me wonder, is dramatic revolution possible without some form of "awe factor" to get people reacting? And does this movement have to necessarily be violence or could it be something of a more positive, constructive nature?
"A Day in the Trial of the Century" was a very personal and emotional account. Huaman Oyague says something very beautiful and wise that "Real power is internal..." She is finally finding justice as Fujimori is brought to the courtroom. I liked the metaphor of Fujimori leading a circus of clowns, and the masks of these clowns being the cameras that cover people and events in corruption of his choosing. I think that she brings up a very vital contrast between the self-involved quest for power and money, and the persevering love and determination that she sees as reality. I think that this was the essence of what was good and evil in such a chaotic time.
Looking at the maps in the end of this chapter, I definitely agree that natural influences that may appear insignificant must have some kind of impact on human behavior in history. I don't think it's the main determinant of how humans in the area will interact, but in areas of high environmental stress and changes, it seems as though conflict is abundant. Peru for example is in an area of high mountains and low valleys, as well as a few different climate zones within the same relatively small area. I suppose this could cause for more isolated groups of people, making it more difficult to communicate. Also perhaps nations which form under varied land regions formulate different needs and goals. I was kind of confused by the last map's influence on human interaction, especially in Peru: how would having only untouched forest in the region impact the human interactions and conflict? Would people in this area having interest to gain power over these untouched forests be a cause of conflict?