In Cristina Giordano’s “Catastrophes,” a very relevant point about categorization and temporality is made. Reducing an event or issue to a specific category inevitably changes the way we view the issue, how we implement solutions, and how long we do so. Specifically, she makes it clear that coining the term “catastrophe” or something similar to describe the migrant and refugee crisis makes it appear “extraordinary” when it fact it is not and continues to occur whether or not interventions take place. This is very clear in Vice’s Italy’s Mediterranean Mass Grave video with regards to the actions being taken to rescue migrants at sea. There is acknowledgment by both the EU and Italy specifically that people are continuing to risk their lives as they make the common yet treacherous journey from Libya to Lampedusa. However, as the video points out, there are reductions being made to recuse missions. The successful Mare Nostrum, a 9 million euros expense is being phased out so that operation Triton can take its place, with an annual budget of 3 million euros.

Understandably, that means that larger scale rescue missions will not possible, but why? The need is there, and frankly it will continue to grow, which is probably the most frustrating aspect of Italy’s decisions. Still, there is some bit of understanding as to the difficulties that come with fostering such programs, one issue clearly being the resources. As the video emphasizes, there is much responsibility thrown on Italy by the EU to keep its surrounding waters clear. Yet it almost sounds like there is a game of hot potato being played regarding this responsibility, prompting Italy to make the decision it did. Generally speaking there is an obvious need for other EU countries to step in and play their part, especially when it comes to saving lives at sea, but progress in the area is yet to be made.