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Unit 10—Handout 2-2
Humanitarianism
Humanitarianism: concern about, and action to promote human welfare; often manifested
through philanthropic activities and interest in social reforms
• John Rabe, Minnie Vautrin, and members of the International Safety Zone
Committee were engaged in humanitarian acts of saving the lives of those in
the Nanking International Safety Zone
• Dr. Norman Bethune, a Canadian physician, treated both Chinese and Japanese
soldiers wounded in China during WWII
The Power of One – One individual can make a difference
Questions:
• Iris Chang’s actions in researching and writing her book the Rape of Nanking are
what brought awareness of the Nanking Massacre to the West
• Minnie Vautrin and John Rabe are examples of ordinary people whose actions made
a huge difference
1. Do you know any philanthropists? Discuss.
2. Do you know an individual who has made a difference in his or her community, the
state, the country, or the world?
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