Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Reading Response 3.21
After reading the LGBTQ Bill of Rights, I was intrigued to find out that the Tel Aviv Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Queer youth center. The parade ended purposefully at the front gates of the Knesset (Israel's Parliament). It is very interesting that there exists discrimination and inequality in numerous aspects of the community in Israel. Attempting to address the community's demands is very critical in eliminating the inequality. The fact that the legal rights of same-sex couples today only exist due to "holes" in Israeli laws, must be very frustrating to same sex couples. "A hate crime is different from other types of crimes as it is a social crime." I find that in Israels attempt to eliminate discrimination of the LGBTQ community there is some sense of hyprocracy in the fact that the hate crimes against Palestinians are not being suppressed. The Right to Protection of Hate section of the LGBTQ Bill of Rights, is also another amendment that seems to not apply to the Israelis in respect to the occupation of Palestinians.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
March 19th response
The depth and the detail that Suad Amiry gives when talking about the gas masks sent chills down my spine. To put oneself in those shoes, to imagine how life like that must be is unthinkable. These stories just intensify my love for Palestine and its people. Just reading about how the Palestinians were not offered gas masks is unbelievable. To not even have the opportunity to KNOW that a gas attack would take place is unfathomable.
The one quote that stuck with me the most in this chapter was " I don't know what it is with Israeli soldiers. They all have a fetish for making Palestinians stand in an orderly line. They complicate our lives with all sorts of permits, make them unbearable chaotic, then insist we stand in straight lines." I can relate to this quote on such a personal level. For example when standing at the checkpoint to enter Jerusalem, one of the most exhausting and terrifying experiences of my life was standing in line with the numerous numbers of Palestinians and Israelis lined up. After standing in the line outside in the heat for hours we then find out that the Israeli officer went on a lunch break and we must wait in line for an indefinite amount of time until he returns. We wait for him to press a button to allow each individual person to enter a steel security chamber like thing. Once in that chamber alone you must cross and wait till the rest of my family crossed (which took at least an additional 2 hours) and then to be questioned and to stand in another line to get on the bus which not to mention was 3 checkpoints away from Jerusalem. It's hard to truly articulate these stories until you have actually gone through them. I admire Suad Amiry immensely for telling her stories, not matter how tough some of the details may be, just to bring awareness about some of the struggles that not only she went through but others as well to the public.
After reading the "A Dog's Life" chapter it was awe inspiring but at the same time was meant to evoke some sense of rage and anger out of anyone; male or female, a dog lover or not, Palestinian or Israeli. The fact that the veterinarian was unwilling to give the dog a simple shot because she was a female was enraging. But she took it upon herself to go to a doctor on an Israeli industrial zone, which provided some sense of hope in the reader, to then later learn that a dog received a passport that some Jerusalemites had spent 16 years waiting for a Jerusalem ID. She also has to hide the dog's passport from Samir who after 24 years of marriage to Sawsan, a Jerusalemite, had NOT succeeded in getting a Jerusalem ID. Or even the fact that their daughter couldn't receive even a Palestinian ID because her father has a Palestinian Ramallah ID and her mother had an Israeli Jerusalem ID.
The one quote that stuck with me the most in this chapter was " I don't know what it is with Israeli soldiers. They all have a fetish for making Palestinians stand in an orderly line. They complicate our lives with all sorts of permits, make them unbearable chaotic, then insist we stand in straight lines." I can relate to this quote on such a personal level. For example when standing at the checkpoint to enter Jerusalem, one of the most exhausting and terrifying experiences of my life was standing in line with the numerous numbers of Palestinians and Israelis lined up. After standing in the line outside in the heat for hours we then find out that the Israeli officer went on a lunch break and we must wait in line for an indefinite amount of time until he returns. We wait for him to press a button to allow each individual person to enter a steel security chamber like thing. Once in that chamber alone you must cross and wait till the rest of my family crossed (which took at least an additional 2 hours) and then to be questioned and to stand in another line to get on the bus which not to mention was 3 checkpoints away from Jerusalem. It's hard to truly articulate these stories until you have actually gone through them. I admire Suad Amiry immensely for telling her stories, not matter how tough some of the details may be, just to bring awareness about some of the struggles that not only she went through but others as well to the public.
After reading the "A Dog's Life" chapter it was awe inspiring but at the same time was meant to evoke some sense of rage and anger out of anyone; male or female, a dog lover or not, Palestinian or Israeli. The fact that the veterinarian was unwilling to give the dog a simple shot because she was a female was enraging. But she took it upon herself to go to a doctor on an Israeli industrial zone, which provided some sense of hope in the reader, to then later learn that a dog received a passport that some Jerusalemites had spent 16 years waiting for a Jerusalem ID. She also has to hide the dog's passport from Samir who after 24 years of marriage to Sawsan, a Jerusalemite, had NOT succeeded in getting a Jerusalem ID. Or even the fact that their daughter couldn't receive even a Palestinian ID because her father has a Palestinian Ramallah ID and her mother had an Israeli Jerusalem ID.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Journal #4
Music has always played an
important part of my life ever since I was a child. I remember memorizing some
of my parent’s favorite old tunes, and singing them with the family on long car
rides. Even as a child, being attracted to songs that had deep lyrics and a
rich meaning or theme was something I gravitated towards. For example, in 5th
grade I remember memorizing every lyric of every song I heard and being moved
by the words I sang. “Where is the love?” by Black Eyed Peas is one of the
first songs I remember escalating my love for music. Music is another thing
that can be listened to anywhere, sung on any street or concert hall, shared
with family or argued by colleagues.
Even though music may bring people
together I also feel that music has played a vital role in dividing and
segregating the world as well. Even today when I mention that rap and hip-hop
are my favorite genres; I feel like subconsciously some people judge me
automatically and associate me with the rappers or artists that I listen too.
Even as a highschooler my peers bullied me for my music choices. I noticed
right away that typically the white upper class in my high school listened to
the hit radio tunes that were on reply 24/7, following the norm. Even I succumb
to the popular jams but I find myself sticking to lyrics with meaning that are appropriate
for the mood that I am in. The beauty of music is that no matter what mood you
are in, there is a song that can make you feel that you are not alone in
feeling that emotion. Of course there are
songs especially nowadays, that promote inappropriate behavior for example drug
abuse. But unfortunately some artists care more about what their audience want
rather than will this offend or upset listeners.
Telling a story or relaying
messages are ways that music has typically been used. Of course some stories
told by music hold some more credibility than others, typically judged by the
lyrics used. Some artists write and sing songs for many different purposes,
either entertainment, to tell a personal story, or to bring awareness. One
example of a song that strikes me right away as a song that sends a strong
message is Words I Never Said by Lupe
Fiasco because it brings up topics and issues that many artists are afraid to bring
back up to the surface of reality. Mainly because of fear, or lack of audience
adoration; artists hold back sometimes what they truly want to express. In Words I Never Said Lupe sings “Gaza
strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit, “ this song attracted
great controversy and unrest but Lupe didn’t hold back because his mission was
to bring awareness of the Palestinian Israeli conflict even if that meant
losing some fans or causing some unrest.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Israeli/Palestinian Rap
Music is a means of expression that can be preformed by people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. It can be expressed in different forms, such as classical, rap or country. But from the readings this week. Rap is mainly used to convey struggle and perserverance through tough and tumultuous times.
From the Israeli hip hop music articles, I came to the conclusion that Israeli rap originated as being a copy or imitation of the African American hip hop style. "At first, attempts to craft rap in Hebrew seemed forced and artificial." (Nirit Ben-Ari) Rap and hip hop in my opinion, is more believable and emotionally moving when the stories conveyed in the lyrics are true and relateable. Rap, that is pro-government and typically created by middle class citizens, would stray completely from the original form of rap and hip hop. Adopting the African American rap on such a superficial level, invalidates the message that might be attempted to be illustrated through a rap or hip hop song.
Rap that originates from a marginalized population whose voices are quelled and sequestered by a more powerful and dominant occupying group makes the music more emotionally engaging and more relatable. When a story is told from a first person point of view it is more likely to capture the hearts of the audience, and that how i feel the Palestinians rap and hip hop has engaged its audiences.
From the Israeli hip hop music articles, I came to the conclusion that Israeli rap originated as being a copy or imitation of the African American hip hop style. "At first, attempts to craft rap in Hebrew seemed forced and artificial." (Nirit Ben-Ari) Rap and hip hop in my opinion, is more believable and emotionally moving when the stories conveyed in the lyrics are true and relateable. Rap, that is pro-government and typically created by middle class citizens, would stray completely from the original form of rap and hip hop. Adopting the African American rap on such a superficial level, invalidates the message that might be attempted to be illustrated through a rap or hip hop song.
Rap that originates from a marginalized population whose voices are quelled and sequestered by a more powerful and dominant occupying group makes the music more emotionally engaging and more relatable. When a story is told from a first person point of view it is more likely to capture the hearts of the audience, and that how i feel the Palestinians rap and hip hop has engaged its audiences.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
2/28 Response
http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715
-This article that was published(in 2003) discusses Israels separation barrier and discusses its parallel to the Berlin Wall. The relative size, compared to the Berlin wall is said to be at least 403 miles long. Due to the publication date of this article, I would be intrigued to figure out how accurate this estimation is. There are 2 types of section- a wall made of concrete or concrete/fence combination. Some sections include electrified fencing, 2 meter deep trenches, roads for patrol vehicles, thermal imaging and video cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles, sniper towers and razor wires.
http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715
-This more recent video by PRESSTV discusses the Israeli Barrier and its wall near Syria the Occupied Golan Height. Tel Aviv says the barrier will stat from the southern part of the Golan beside the Jordanian border up tot the north of the Golan Heights. According to Israeli officials the wall is aimed to protect settlers in the Occupied Golan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/world/middleeast/israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-in-west-bank-confrontation.html?_r=0
When researching the barrier I came across this artcile in the NYTIMES that was released January 15, 2013. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian teenager during a confrontation along the West Bank barrier. Two more men were fatally shot along Gazas border with Israel. This artcile as i interpretted, illustrates the fact that this separation wall is causing more unrest and fierce militant action; rather than solving any issues that were thought to be resolved from building such a barrier. This article further discusses how Samir Awwad, the 16 year old that was fatally shot on his way home after an exam as he threw stones at some soldiers, live fire was responded ultimately killing Samir. "On Friday, Israeli forces shot to death a Palestinian man and wounded another near the fence separating Gaza and Israel. Witnesses said that a group of Palestinians had approached the fence, which Israel forbids on security grounds. Israeli military officials said soldiers had acted in accordance with the rules of engagement and fired at the legs of protesters who were trying to damage the fence." The following direct quote from the article discusses the growing unrest as a result of the separation barrier.
-This article that was published(in 2003) discusses Israels separation barrier and discusses its parallel to the Berlin Wall. The relative size, compared to the Berlin wall is said to be at least 403 miles long. Due to the publication date of this article, I would be intrigued to figure out how accurate this estimation is. There are 2 types of section- a wall made of concrete or concrete/fence combination. Some sections include electrified fencing, 2 meter deep trenches, roads for patrol vehicles, thermal imaging and video cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles, sniper towers and razor wires.
http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715
-This more recent video by PRESSTV discusses the Israeli Barrier and its wall near Syria the Occupied Golan Height. Tel Aviv says the barrier will stat from the southern part of the Golan beside the Jordanian border up tot the north of the Golan Heights. According to Israeli officials the wall is aimed to protect settlers in the Occupied Golan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/world/middleeast/israeli-forces-kill-palestinian-in-west-bank-confrontation.html?_r=0
When researching the barrier I came across this artcile in the NYTIMES that was released January 15, 2013. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian teenager during a confrontation along the West Bank barrier. Two more men were fatally shot along Gazas border with Israel. This artcile as i interpretted, illustrates the fact that this separation wall is causing more unrest and fierce militant action; rather than solving any issues that were thought to be resolved from building such a barrier. This article further discusses how Samir Awwad, the 16 year old that was fatally shot on his way home after an exam as he threw stones at some soldiers, live fire was responded ultimately killing Samir. "On Friday, Israeli forces shot to death a Palestinian man and wounded another near the fence separating Gaza and Israel. Witnesses said that a group of Palestinians had approached the fence, which Israel forbids on security grounds. Israeli military officials said soldiers had acted in accordance with the rules of engagement and fired at the legs of protesters who were trying to damage the fence." The following direct quote from the article discusses the growing unrest as a result of the separation barrier.
Adel Hana/Associated Press
Caption: Palestinians women attended the funeral of a Palestinian farmer on Tuesday, who died hours after being shot near the Gaza border.Monday, February 25, 2013
Response 2/26
After watching the Writing on the Walls videos, understanding that their are numerous ways to relay a message and a story. The website that allows the public to put messages on the wall, is such a peaceful way to speak ones mind without using violence to prove a point. I find that in our modern society many people use methods that are less peaceful to show others how they feel about a topic or to prove a political message. Some of the messages on the walls are so deep and emotionally stimulating that one cant help but want to know the story behind the messages and pictures on the wall.
After reading Noura's thesis, it helped me get a clearer understanding of terms that I would hear and read but never questioned. Homeland, for example, has a much deeper meaning than just the physical territory. Homeland has a very "emotional dimension that allows the nation to promote sentiments such as a sense of belonging, memory of space, feelings of historical continuity and possession of the land (8)." These elements are what the Israels and Palestinians value in the land of Jerusalem. The need to have an exclusive right and historical legacy to the land is what makes reconciliation very difficult. I also found it very appropriate to define what the definition of Israeli and Palestinian are, many assume everyone understands the boundaries of what make up the varying sects. Promoting exclusion by feeling legitimacy over the "other", and the two nationalisms with deep rooted ties to the territory "through methods of history, collective past, religion and political ideology (7)" are what make it difficult to look past each owns narrative and understand everyone has theri own story that must be respected.
After reading Noura's thesis, it helped me get a clearer understanding of terms that I would hear and read but never questioned. Homeland, for example, has a much deeper meaning than just the physical territory. Homeland has a very "emotional dimension that allows the nation to promote sentiments such as a sense of belonging, memory of space, feelings of historical continuity and possession of the land (8)." These elements are what the Israels and Palestinians value in the land of Jerusalem. The need to have an exclusive right and historical legacy to the land is what makes reconciliation very difficult. I also found it very appropriate to define what the definition of Israeli and Palestinian are, many assume everyone understands the boundaries of what make up the varying sects. Promoting exclusion by feeling legitimacy over the "other", and the two nationalisms with deep rooted ties to the territory "through methods of history, collective past, religion and political ideology (7)" are what make it difficult to look past each owns narrative and understand everyone has theri own story that must be respected.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Response to Parallels and Paradoxes
I understand that Edward Said had a profound impact on the lives of others but the extent to which his influence changed the world is remarkable. His questions examining Orientalism a term in which he pioneered will forever be studied and analyzed. He also is the most forceful and impassioned commentator on the endlessly complex conflicts in the Middle East. The fact that he can have such a lasting impression as well as numerous musical essays, is amazing and creative. In addition, Daniel Barenboim "is a central figure in the musical world." Breaking the barriers with Edward Said, Barneboim is the first and most prominent Israeli musician ever to perform in the Palestinian West Bank. The numerous public manifestations the two of them put together is a true interpretation that that it is possible for Palestinians and Isrealis to come together.
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