12. Hochschild answers his own question about the pain in the Congo by stating that the functionaries were not the ones administrating the chicotte to other people. Instead, they made the Congolese do it. People usually feel less guilty if they are not the ones causing the pain. The same can be said for Leopold; he was never in the Congo to directly inflict damage to the locals and their homes. One force even stated several years later that he would have been unable to inflict damage onto others and only feels guilt may years after. In the Holocaust for example, Hitler never actually killed anyone by himself. Instead, SS officers were made to do it.

13. One must help themselves before others. If you’re unable to support yourself, you cannot extend a hand to other people. Some evidence to support Casement’s statement would be the great depression. In the 1930s we were unable to help other countries because we ourselves were weak and volatile. Once we stood back up was when we could extend a rope to pull others up. Casement could somewhat say the same today. America has always cared about itself before others. However, today we are usually in a postilion to help others regardless of finance or political position.

14. Politics play a large role in activism and protest. One country will not protest against another if it knows that it will need that country in the future. For example, if one country has a delicate oil trade between another, it will make sure that nothing upsets it. I do not find his explanation sufficient. There are endless reasons why responses are prompted from some people,while others are completely silent. If one country has political tension with another, some atrocities can go unnoticed, in fear that combat might break out. However, there are an endless steam of political, cultural, and money variables. There is just never one reason.