The article discusses the recent worldwide emotional response to a young monkey named Banch, born in a Japanese zoo, who gained internet fame after being abandoned by his mother and found clutching a stuffed toy for comfort. This narrative quickly transformed him into a symbol of loneliness and prompted millions of expressions of sympathy online. However, this widespread concern for Banch starkly contrasts with the indifference displayed towards the suffering of children in conflict areas, particularly in Gaza and Sudan, raising questions about the nature of human empathy.

In the face of this selective empathy, the Cuban embassy in France issued a provocative statement condemning the global reaction as 'selective shame.' They emphasized how the world is emotionally stirred by a monkey's plight while remaining unmoved by the images of orphaned children in Gaza who have lost their parents to violence. This selective emotional engagement prompts a reflection on societal values and priorities regarding compassion and activism.

Social media users and bloggers echoed these sentiments, lamenting how humanity can be swayed by the story of a monkey while being desensitized to the suffering of innocent children in war-torn regions. They argue that the real issue lies not in the affection shown towards animals but rather in the shocking cruelty that allows the cries of children suffering from violence and trauma to go unnoticed, further spotlighting an imbalance in global humanitarian responses.