The Acid Survivors Foundation Ball

No, this was not some 60s throwback event. Rather it was far more serious. Every year in Bangladesh people, primarily women, are victims of attacks with caustic acid. While the attacks can occur for a variety of reasons, generally it is for revenge for spurned sexual/marital advances, an insufficient dowry or even to get revenge against a woman's husband. Sometimes small children can be the victims of these barbaric assaults, especially when there are land or business interests at stake.
The ball was held to raise money for the medical and legal care of the survivors. The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) also funds lobbying efforts to get laws changed to better protect the victims, and to raise awareness of prevention techniques (often limited to washing off the acid with running water). I have made some friends with young people who have been working with the ASF, and I have been entirely overwhelmed by the existence of such a viscous and vindictive act of violence. It really is almost impossible to comprehend how something so cowardly and vile could become a cultural practice. For instance, the severity of the burn determines the extent of the punishment; intent makes no difference. If you would like to learn more about the organization, the phenomenon of acid attacks and how you can help please visit this link.

The ball itself was pretty fun as it was BYOB and we certainly took advantage. The turn out, I heard, was a bit disappointing, but we (Sara, Jimmy and I) all had a great time. The ball was of the masquerade variety, which felt a bit strange considering the fact that many of the acid attack victims have burned faces. In addition to dinner, there was a fashion show (which was also a bit odd considering the event) and a really fun/funny all Bangladeshi cover band. They were surprisingly good and played hits from disco and some other party songs. Many of the teachers were there and in full force. Teachers, diplomats, foreign service workers really can't dance... lesson learned. It was a formal ball, here are a couple picture of the three interns (and Walter).