In Bosnia, little children shot in the head by a guy who thinks it's okay to aim his gun at a child.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the tragic consequences of violence against innocent children and questions the morality of such actions.
Christiane Amanpour's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the brutal realities of war and violence, particularly affecting the most vulnerable members of society—children. It condemns the mindset of perpetrators who dehumanize victims, showcasing the profound moral failure in allowing violence to target those who cannot defend themselves. The stark imagery of children being shot reflects the tragic loss of innocence and the urgent need for compassion and protection in times of conflict.
In practice
During a speech on human rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of protecting children in conflict zones.
Some people accused me of being pro-Muslim in Bosnia, but I realised that our job is to give all sides an equal hearing, but in cases of genocide you can't just be neutral. You can't just say, 'Well, this little boy was shot in the head and killed in besieged Sarajevo and that guy over there did it, but maybe he was upset because he had an argument with his wife.' No, there is no equality there, and we had to tell the truth.
I leave CNN with the utmost respect, love and admiration for the company and everyone who works here. This has been my family and shared endeavor for the past 27 years, and I am forever grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished.
And one thing that I always believed and that I knew for certain was that I could never have sustained a personal relationship while I worked this hard, or while I was that driven this intensely by the story.
In emerging democracies like Russia, in authoritarian states like Iran or even Yugoslavia, journalists play a vital role in civil society. In fact, they form the very basis of those new democracies and civil societies.
In Iran the whole reform and democracy movement has been based on the emerging free press.
We were thrilled and we were privileged to be part of a revolution, because make no mistake about it, Ted Turner changed the world with CNN.
We've been blessed with the opportunity to stand for something - for liberty and freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.
I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen men coughing out their gassed lungs. I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed. I have seen 200 limping, exhausted men come out of line—the survivors of a regiment of 1,000 that went forward 48 hours before. I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war.
Real courage is holding on to a still voice in your head that says, 'I must keep going.' It's that voice that says nothing is a failure if it is not final. That voice that says to you, 'Get out of bed. Keep going. I will not quit.'
Controversial means somebody who makes people think. And if you are afraid of people who will be against you, you might as well stay home and do nothing.
Your greatest fears are created by your imagination. Don't give in to them.
God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.