Self-Importanance in "Suffering"

I've decided that I hate that the campout at From Dickson to Darfur is being billed as a "refugee camp simulation." I want to use much stronger language than this, but this is total bullcrap. A few dozen college kids (& whoever else graces the strip of grass behind the Greek Theater) can NEVER simulate a refugee camp. Why? Well, problem one: there are no rock concerts at refugee camps. Problem two: refugee's don't get to return to their air-conditioned/electrified homes the next morning. Problem three: refugees don't sleep in North Face tents. Problem four: refugees are fleeing their war-torn home not trying to look cool at the "cause of the week."

I definitely hurt for what's happening in the Sudan. I want people to be aware. Don't get me wrong: I've got the stickers, I sign the petitions, and I think a big rally is a great idea. However, let's not be self-important. Let's not pretend like we're doing more for these people than we are. We're holding a concert and a short march. We're having a campout. All this is in hopes that people hear about Darfur, some money is raised for victims, and so on. Nothing more. We're not "experiencing their pain." We are simulating nothing.

On that note, I'll be there--although not "suffering" by camping out. So, I hope to see you there.