I found Noura Dabdoub's article very interesting, because it discussed the ideas of homeland and identity. It was a good follow-up reading for our last reading response, because these ideas were discussed in the beginning pages of 'Parallel's and Paradoxes.' It shows a contrasting view of what Edward Said felt about identity and homelands.
Edward discussed how he did not feel attached to any 'homeland' even though he was from Palestine. This thesis by Noura highlights the feelings of both Israelis and Palestinians when it comes to their identity. I found it interesting that developing stronger identities seemed to create even more conflict between the two groups. It shows how important identity is to groups of people. I think that it's important to have a sense of identity, but I wonder sometimes if there is too much importance put on it. When thinking about a few of the major conflicts throughout history, it seems as though each has surrounded identity, whether it be identified by religion, race, gender, or nationality. I know it is impossible to take those things that make up who we are away, but I also wish that we could take away some of that importance as well.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Individual Project Outline
I am part of the Identity group, and am working with a few students on the subject of sports. We have decided to look at sports and how they help (or hurt) the Arab-Israeli conflict. We want to see if there are any other projects that are similar to that of the West-Eastern Divan orchestra that involve sports. Another aspect of sports we wanted to look at is how sports are involved in the lives of both Arab and Israeli children, and how it impacts their views on the conflict. We hope to find some good articles and interviews about this topic. We plan on meeting with our group next week to define a more solid outline of our project and also create a timeline for completing it.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Reading Response 11
"Parallels and Paradoxes: Explorations in Music and Society" was a very good follow-up reading for the videos and articles we watched and read about the West-Eastern Divan orchestra. It gave a personal look into both Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim, and their opinions and insights on the conflict and how music plays a roll.
What particularly struck me was the opening of the first chapter. Both Daniel and Edward were asked the question "Where do you feel at home?" I thought this question was a great way to start the chapter, because it immediately showed their thought process when it comes to Jerusalem and the conflict. In Daniel's response, he mentions how he is at home with the "idea" of Jerusalem. I found this interesting, because it shows that he (as well as numerous other people around the world) have their own idea about how Jerusalem should be, and that is what they want to believe about it. In Edward's answer, he discusses how he believes the sentimental feelings that are associated with homelands are "overrated" which I found interesting considering that he once lived in Jerusalem. He also brings up a point about identity, saying that it is a set of flowing currents, and not just a fixation on one place or thing that sets your identity. I think that I have to agree with this. I feel like people of both Palestine and Israel identify with one place, instead of all of the different things besides just one historic city that make up their identity. Both of their answers were very enlightening to me, and they both gave me a different way to view my own identity and 'home.'
What particularly struck me was the opening of the first chapter. Both Daniel and Edward were asked the question "Where do you feel at home?" I thought this question was a great way to start the chapter, because it immediately showed their thought process when it comes to Jerusalem and the conflict. In Daniel's response, he mentions how he is at home with the "idea" of Jerusalem. I found this interesting, because it shows that he (as well as numerous other people around the world) have their own idea about how Jerusalem should be, and that is what they want to believe about it. In Edward's answer, he discusses how he believes the sentimental feelings that are associated with homelands are "overrated" which I found interesting considering that he once lived in Jerusalem. He also brings up a point about identity, saying that it is a set of flowing currents, and not just a fixation on one place or thing that sets your identity. I think that I have to agree with this. I feel like people of both Palestine and Israel identify with one place, instead of all of the different things besides just one historic city that make up their identity. Both of their answers were very enlightening to me, and they both gave me a different way to view my own identity and 'home.'
Reading Response 10
I found the readings and videos for this post to be very enlightening. It was refreshing to see videos and actually listen to people from both sides of the conflict discuss their opinions about what has been going on. I also think these readings and videos about the West-Eastearn Divan Orchestra are somewhat relatable to the video we watched in class about the schools that taught both Israeli and Palestinian children. It shows that both sides can put aside their differences when it comes to something that they both have a passion for.
I really liked the two videos the most. The one that interviewed two girls from either side of the conflct showed their own personal opinions. It showed that they were there to do what they love--which is play music. They were not there to try to solve the conflict or show the differences between the two groups. I think that more programs like this need to happen. If more and more people from both Israel and Palestine participate in events where they can interact with eachother and understand their different opinions, I think that it will be easier for each group as a whole to begin to work to solve the conflict. As I said in a previous blog post, I think that the more each group focuses on their siilarities instead of their differences, it will be easier to communicate and compromise when it comes to resolving the conflict.
I also enjoyed watching the interview with Daniel Barenboim. He had some very interesting opinions on the conflict. I think it is sad that people like him (who seem to be very well-educated and have very enlightening opinions) leave their country because of the conflict. I also found it interesting that he said "Jerusalem is a city that belongs to the world." I agree with this. So many people around the world identify with Jerusalem for religious regions that I believe it is very difficult to claim it as land for one religion over another. But as the conflict sits now, I know that it is impossible for this land to be claimed as such. I think that it will be interesting to hear what Mariam Said has to say about the orchestra and her own opinions about the conflict, and I look forward to hearing her tomorrow in class.
I really liked the two videos the most. The one that interviewed two girls from either side of the conflct showed their own personal opinions. It showed that they were there to do what they love--which is play music. They were not there to try to solve the conflict or show the differences between the two groups. I think that more programs like this need to happen. If more and more people from both Israel and Palestine participate in events where they can interact with eachother and understand their different opinions, I think that it will be easier for each group as a whole to begin to work to solve the conflict. As I said in a previous blog post, I think that the more each group focuses on their siilarities instead of their differences, it will be easier to communicate and compromise when it comes to resolving the conflict.
I also enjoyed watching the interview with Daniel Barenboim. He had some very interesting opinions on the conflict. I think it is sad that people like him (who seem to be very well-educated and have very enlightening opinions) leave their country because of the conflict. I also found it interesting that he said "Jerusalem is a city that belongs to the world." I agree with this. So many people around the world identify with Jerusalem for religious regions that I believe it is very difficult to claim it as land for one religion over another. But as the conflict sits now, I know that it is impossible for this land to be claimed as such. I think that it will be interesting to hear what Mariam Said has to say about the orchestra and her own opinions about the conflict, and I look forward to hearing her tomorrow in class.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Reading Response 9
I found Issam Nassar's article about 19th century photography of Jerusalem to be very interesting. I haven't extensively studied photography, but I am aware of how images can be somewhat distorted to evoke a specific emotion. It was enlightening to read about how photography of the city of Jerusalem during the 19th century was manipulated, either consciously or subconsciously, to please those who were buying and viewing the photos.
I found it interesting that most of the photography of Jerusalem included no people, and if the people were included, they were depicted as insignificant. I think the reason for this is that people in Europe and America wanted to view Jerusalem as it was depicted in the Bible, and not what it was at the present time. I think that part of the mindset of most people who practice religion is the need to have what they've been taught confirmed in some way. These photographs that are supposed to depict Jerusalem and its religious sites are a way for people to confirm what images they have formed from reading the Bible.
I also found it interesting that photographers during this time added captions that had such strong biblical references. I think that this also happened because of my previous point. This was something I found interesting because photographers were labeling sites as religious relics instead of what they truly were. This makes me wonder if they captioned their photographs this way to make more money, or because they themselves wanted to believe that these sites were truly holy places discussed in the Bible.
This article gave me a new insight on how photography is depicted and the emotions it brings to people. It also helped me understand how people of the world viewed/wanted to view Jerusalem. I look forward to hearing Nassar's thoughts and opinions tomorrow in class.
I found it interesting that most of the photography of Jerusalem included no people, and if the people were included, they were depicted as insignificant. I think the reason for this is that people in Europe and America wanted to view Jerusalem as it was depicted in the Bible, and not what it was at the present time. I think that part of the mindset of most people who practice religion is the need to have what they've been taught confirmed in some way. These photographs that are supposed to depict Jerusalem and its religious sites are a way for people to confirm what images they have formed from reading the Bible.
I also found it interesting that photographers during this time added captions that had such strong biblical references. I think that this also happened because of my previous point. This was something I found interesting because photographers were labeling sites as religious relics instead of what they truly were. This makes me wonder if they captioned their photographs this way to make more money, or because they themselves wanted to believe that these sites were truly holy places discussed in the Bible.
This article gave me a new insight on how photography is depicted and the emotions it brings to people. It also helped me understand how people of the world viewed/wanted to view Jerusalem. I look forward to hearing Nassar's thoughts and opinions tomorrow in class.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Reading Response 8
The articles by Salim Tamari were a nice change of pace after reading Karen's book, but I still struggled to understand the articles and their meaning. The one article that I think I understood the most was "Lepers, Lunatics, and Saints." This article gave a Palestinian history, and how people were trying to preserve their culture.
It seems that Canaan and his colleagues were doing their best to try to preserve the Palestinian 'peasant' culture. Tamari talks about how they went into the neighborhoods and performed vast amounts of ethnogric research. What I don't understand, however, is why there is such a focus on the 'peasants.' I wonder if this means Palestinians as a group, or a specific class of Palestinians. I also found it interesting that Palestinians were struggling to keep and preserve their identity to begin with. It's enlightening to see what groups of people will do to make sure that their traditions are not completely erradicated.
Overall, these readings were enlightening when it comes to the Palestinian culture. I think that hearing Tamari's thoughts tomorrow in class will also help me better understand these readings and what they mean in the context of the current conflict.
It seems that Canaan and his colleagues were doing their best to try to preserve the Palestinian 'peasant' culture. Tamari talks about how they went into the neighborhoods and performed vast amounts of ethnogric research. What I don't understand, however, is why there is such a focus on the 'peasants.' I wonder if this means Palestinians as a group, or a specific class of Palestinians. I also found it interesting that Palestinians were struggling to keep and preserve their identity to begin with. It's enlightening to see what groups of people will do to make sure that their traditions are not completely erradicated.
Overall, these readings were enlightening when it comes to the Palestinian culture. I think that hearing Tamari's thoughts tomorrow in class will also help me better understand these readings and what they mean in the context of the current conflict.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Reading Response 7
Now that we have finally finished reading all of Karen Armstrong's book, I think now is a good time to reflect on the book as a whole. When we first started reading this book, I know many of us had reservations about Karen's writing style, her fact-checking, and many other things. After getting through these reservations, I believe that her book has given me new insight on Jerusalem and an enlightening history on a world that I had very little knowledge about.
As you can see in my previous posts, I learned new things about religion that I wouldn't have known otherwise. I was able to read about the evolution of Christianity and Judaism, as well as Islam. Since I was raised in a household where we didn't attend church on a regular basis, I enjoyed gaining insight on topics that I had known nothing about. It was also interesting to have my opinions swayed when it comes to Jerusalem, and being able to have a new perspective on the conflict.
It was also interesting to learn about the different facets of religion in general, and how critical a role it plays in people's lives. I still find it fascinating how much this small piece of land means to so many people, and what they are willing to do to call it 'theirs.' Overall, I think that this book has given me a great insight into Jerusalem and religion, and this information will come in handy when we begin to dive into our group projects.
As you can see in my previous posts, I learned new things about religion that I wouldn't have known otherwise. I was able to read about the evolution of Christianity and Judaism, as well as Islam. Since I was raised in a household where we didn't attend church on a regular basis, I enjoyed gaining insight on topics that I had known nothing about. It was also interesting to have my opinions swayed when it comes to Jerusalem, and being able to have a new perspective on the conflict.
It was also interesting to learn about the different facets of religion in general, and how critical a role it plays in people's lives. I still find it fascinating how much this small piece of land means to so many people, and what they are willing to do to call it 'theirs.' Overall, I think that this book has given me a great insight into Jerusalem and religion, and this information will come in handy when we begin to dive into our group projects.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Project Discussion
Last week in class we discussed different ideas for our group project. Our group has the relatively broad subject of the culture of Jerusalem. After discussion, we decided to divide into two different groups of sports and fashion.
Our main goal is to research and discover how sports affect the relationship between the Arabs and Jews. We would also like to see why the two groups dress differently, and how this affects their relationship as well. We still need to get started doing research, as well as deciding on which form of media we will use to present our conclusions. Overall, we made a good start look forward to forming more ideas and diving deeper into these subjects.
Our main goal is to research and discover how sports affect the relationship between the Arabs and Jews. We would also like to see why the two groups dress differently, and how this affects their relationship as well. We still need to get started doing research, as well as deciding on which form of media we will use to present our conclusions. Overall, we made a good start look forward to forming more ideas and diving deeper into these subjects.
Reading Response 6
In these chapters of Karen Armstrong's book, Islam is introduced as a religion. I found this interesting because I myself do not hold deep religious convictions since I wasn't raised in a household that regularly attended church. I was not familiar with the origins of Islam or how this religion came about, so it was enlightening to read the history of this religion and how it originated.
One thing that struck me was how Muhammed did not see his prophetic revelations as something separate from the religion that Christians and Jews practiced, but rather something that integral to these religions. I always viewed these religions as separate and not inter-connected, so this was something I found interesting.
I also found it interesting how the Muslim's orignally viewed all three religious groups living in Jerusalem side by side. Reading that the Muslim's believed by having all three groups living together would 'reflect their vision of the continuity and harmony of all rightly guided religion...' and 'living together in a city that was sacred to all three faiths could have led...to a better understanding of one another..' was very striking to me. It was interesting to realize that these groups, or at least the Muslims, wanted peace and coexistence and to actually share and learn from one another, and not fight over who deserved to live on the land that all three found so sacred.
I think that these three chapters really helped me realize where this conflict originated and how these events set the roots for the growing problems in Jerusalem. But it was also refreshing to read that at one point not every group was against eachother and that some had originally wanted to learn and grow from the different faiths.
One thing that struck me was how Muhammed did not see his prophetic revelations as something separate from the religion that Christians and Jews practiced, but rather something that integral to these religions. I always viewed these religions as separate and not inter-connected, so this was something I found interesting.
I also found it interesting how the Muslim's orignally viewed all three religious groups living in Jerusalem side by side. Reading that the Muslim's believed by having all three groups living together would 'reflect their vision of the continuity and harmony of all rightly guided religion...' and 'living together in a city that was sacred to all three faiths could have led...to a better understanding of one another..' was very striking to me. It was interesting to realize that these groups, or at least the Muslims, wanted peace and coexistence and to actually share and learn from one another, and not fight over who deserved to live on the land that all three found so sacred.
I think that these three chapters really helped me realize where this conflict originated and how these events set the roots for the growing problems in Jerusalem. But it was also refreshing to read that at one point not every group was against eachother and that some had originally wanted to learn and grow from the different faiths.
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