The arid region of Zafaria has long suffered from water scarcity. This lack of water disproportionately affects its lower socioeconomic classes, who rely on unreliable and often distant water sources. Meanwhile, the wealthy elite, residing in opulent villas with private wells, enjoy abundant water supplies. This stark contrast is mirrored in the preservation of Zafaria’s cultural heritage, specifically its collection of ancient murals. These murals, painted on the interior walls of centuries-old homes, depict scenes of daily life and historical events crucial to understanding Zafaria’s history. The murals in the wealthy districts, benefitting from readily available water and proper climate control, are meticulously maintained. Experts regularly assess their condition, employing advanced preservation techniques to counteract the effects of time and environment. These murals are often showcased in glossy brochures and feature prominently in tourist guides, contributing to the national narrative of Zafaria’s rich cultural identity. However, the murals in the poorer neighborhoods tell a different story. Lacking access to clean water and adequate resources for preservation, these paintings are rapidly deteriorating. The effects of dampness, mold, and salt damage are clearly visible, obscuring the intricate details and threatening the irreplaceable historical record they represent. While local activists and a few dedicated historians are trying to raise awareness and secure funds for restoration, their efforts are hampered by a lack of funding and widespread societal apathy. The contrast highlights a critical issue: the uneven distribution of resources not only impacts the daily lives of Zafaria’s citizens but also shapes the narrative of its cultural heritage. The preservation of its past, a crucial component of national identity, is becoming a casualty of the nation’s socioeconomic inequalities, with the history of the less privileged fading into oblivion while the narratives of the affluent remain meticulously preserved. This disparity raises fundamental questions about the equitable distribution of cultural resources and the true meaning of national heritage.
1. What is the central theme of the passage?
2. How does the passage contrast the preservation efforts for murals in wealthy versus poor neighborhoods?
3. What is the author’s main point regarding the preservation of Zafaria’s cultural heritage?
4. The word "apathy" in the third paragraph most nearly means:
5. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?