Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend?

Diamonds really are everywhere. Whether it is in a song, a book, a commercial, or a magazine, they are constantly being advertised or talked about. They are shown as being glamorous, expensive, and obviously good-looking. Growing up, I felt that way about them because it was all I ever heard. When I thought of diamonds, I thought of how nice they must be and how special it must be to recieve them. I also thought that giving one was a very big deal, and to be honest I still do. Typically, diamonds are given to someone you love, and not for just any reason. It's usually for a special occasion or reason. As your typical girl, I've always thought about getting that special ring from that special someone.

I honestly never knew how people really got diamonds or what some of the truth behind them is. After reading articles and watching the movie "Blood Diamond" I do have to say that seeing them makes me think a little differently. Conflict diamonds are the diamonds being bought from Africa that are essentially funding the wars. To make it simple, people are dying trying to get diamonds. No one is saying that everyone should stop buying them, but it is very important that the public knows what is happening. They also need to be aware that there are ways to buy diamonds that haven't been "blood diamonds". While shopping you can ask for a voucher that says the jewelry wasn't made at the cost of someone's life. If everyone knew about this, and responded to it, it is very likely that this horrible business would end.

A big part of this is letting the public know. Many people don't know what is happening, and I don't think anyone wants to look at their ring or their necklace knowing someone's life could have been taken for it. Movies like "Blood Diamond" and songs like Kanye West's I think are very effective in showing what is happening. So many people listen to music or go to see movies and that many more people are now aware of the problem. The thing is, we need to begin acting on it. If we do, this can finally come to an end.