Public Service Message Encouraging Social Acceptance for Landmine SurvivorsBureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and AbatementWashington, DC May 14, 2003 [Following is the text of a video of a U.S. Department of State-sponsored public service message for Cambodians encouraging social acceptance for survivors of landmine and unexploded ordnance accidents. View video by clicking links at top of page.] ****** Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Rith (a Cambodian landmine survivor/amputee) discuss accepting those who have been disabled by landmines. (Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck appear.) Bugs: "I'm Bugs Bunny with an important message about landmines." Daffy (holding an umbrella): "And I'm Daffy Duck here to sell umbrellas." (Holds his umbrella up) Bugs (takes umbrella from Daffy): "Later Doc." Daffy: "Listen, I know all about landmines and bombs and shells. Don't touch and tell the army, a teacher, village elder or a demining team. They'll take care of it." Bugs: "True, but that wasn't my message. Rith and I are going to talk about accepting people disabled by landmines." (Rith walks up to Bugs and Daffy) Bugs: "Hi Rith." Rith: "Hi Bugs." Bugs: "It's not your fault you stepped on a landmine." Rith: "It could have happened to anybody, and if you survive, your whole life gets turned upside down." (Footage of amputees undergoing rehabilitation appears on the screen) "Over time, you learn to get around again. You learn you can do a lot of different things, but people treat you differently. All I want is a chance in life like everyone else." Bugs: "I sure hope you get a break. After all, landmines don't care who they blow up." Rith: "That's for sure." Daffy: "When business gets better, you can help me sell umbrellas." Rith: "Thanks Daffy." Daffy (holding umbrella): "Hi folks. When monsoon season strikes, there's nothing like a fine umbrella made of durable nylon." (Daffy opens the umbrella and it starts to storm only underneath his umbrella.) "Don't say a word!" |