Because whatever has happened to humanity, whatever is currently happening to humanity, it is happening to all of us. No matter how hidden the cruelty, no matter how far off the screams of pain and terror, we live in one world. We are one people. My illness proved that. As well as my understanding that Generose's lost daughter belongs to all of us. It is up to all of us to find her; it is up to us to do our best to make her whole again. There is only one daughter, one father, one mother, one son, one aunt or uncle, one dog, one cat, donkey, monkey, or goat in the universe, after all: the one right in front of you.
In the text, the author emphasizes the shared experience of humanity, highlighting that regardless of the distant suffering or hidden cruelty, we are all interconnected. This connection is exemplified through her own illness, which allowed her to empathize deeply with the struggles of others. She stresses that the pain of one person resonates with everyone, uniting us as one global community.
Walker poignantly notes that the plight of individuals, like Generose's lost daughter, symbolizes a collective responsibility. She argues that it is the duty of all humanity to seek justice and healing for those suffering. This reflection brings forth the idea that in the vast universe, every individual—be they human or animal—holds significance, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing the suffering of others amidst our shared existence.
