"I said to a group of friends who were talking about the film Osama that wouldn't it have been better if the conflict that arose that allowed the creation of Osama had never existed in the first place? But it is just such art house films that allow people to stay in touch with suffering but not have to experience it. The aesthetic experience allows them to believe that are bearing witness to suffering and oppression, while all they are actually doing is indulging in their own pursuit of pleasure."
This is a bit harsh. Having seen "Osama," I wouldn't accuse anyone of seeing this movie as a result of a desire for any kind of gratification. It was disturbing and painful to watch and with a dozen other feel-good flicks to choose from, I wouldn't accuse any one of "indulging in their own pursuit of pleasure" for watching it.
As for experiencing suffering -- there's plenty to go around. Just because it's not third world flavor suffering, doesn't mean it's not suffering. You might even argue that first world advanced suffering is worst because there's the illusion that you could choose not to if you were really smart enough.
Joanna