Books and bombs
I asked below what readers thought about this question: Was it inappropriate or disingenuous to have a stronger feeling of revulsion about the bombing at the Baghdad book-market, in which at least 20 people were killed, than about other bombings? A reader writes:
"Is it disingenuous? I don't think it is; I think it's normal.
"When the Baghdad Museum was looted, people asked me why I was so upset and angry about the destruction. They didn't have my background in art history, so they couldn't understand how much work and love went into creating, displaying and preserving a collection. They simply couldn't take it personally enough to feel the same outrage.
"I believe it's a normal human response to feel stronger empathy for people who are 'like us.' The book lovers of Boston can more easily put themselves in the shoes of the book lovers of Baghdad, and that's when we all become horrified enough to feel their pain."
