Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Problems with studying the Israel/Palestine conflict
I don't really know a ton about the conflict surrounding Israel and Palestine, but after doing the readings, it has become clear to me that it is a very deep and complex issue that is beyond any one historical event or any difference in religion. The complexity and controversy of the situation poses a real problem for anyone hoping to study the issue objectively or make a difference. There is no clear cut right and wrong in the objective sense, there is only the right and wrong committed by both sides in the process of the struggle. This lack of objective right and wrong make it very difficult to study an issue from both sides, and the differences of opinion of even the students and professor will pose a difficulty in studying this conflict. I also found it interesting that in the readings, even the smallest issues such as funding became major obstacles in the preparation for the preparation for the Festival. As an outsider, I have always wondered why it seemed that there could be no peace or harmony in Israel/Palestine, now I am beginning to understand the incredible tension of the power struggle that rages on (violently and politically) between these two nationalities, and, as I said, the complexity of the situation. I feel that these are the main struggles that will be undergone in the study of the Israel/Palestine conflict: having not grown up in the conflict, it is impossible for any of us to fully understand the complex dynamic or be able to do more than just read about it, which is great in theory, but perhaps will prove less effective for making any real life progress in the resolution of this ongoing struggle.
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Chris, I have the same background as you in going into this class in regards to my viewpoint on the conflict. I also agree that it is very hard for us to have an impact, but I do not believe that what we are reading isn't at all effective. You mention that it will "prove less effective for making any real life progress in the resolution of this ongoing struggle." Do you not believe that the more students learn and understand they can perhaps encourage or initiate the dialog between the two sides? We cannot physically be there, but doing our part by being cultured on the topic may help diffuse certain arguments that we may witness.
ReplyDeleteChris, I agree that there are many gray areas and concerns over objectivity in this conflict, but I do not believe that it is impossible to look at this conflict objectively. An observer, as hard as it is, must completely remove himself/herself from the emotional aspect of the conflict. Then one can tell the objective rights/wrongs.
ReplyDeleteThe way in which the observer obtains his/her information is what makes objectivity hard. All media, regardless political/economic/religious affiliation, is biased in some way. It's these biases that must be understood in order to obtain objectivity.
It is very hard to study this conflict objectively. Both sides have been victims as well as actors of violence. I do think that peace is possible, but it will not be easy and cannot be done in a day. Also, I agree with Ben's comment, that with media we can try to be objective through reading news from multiple sources in order to gain perspective.
ReplyDeleteI am also very new to the topic of the conflict in Jerusalem. However, I don't believe that it is impossible for us to understand the conflict simply because we didn't grow up around it. Although we cannot physically do anything from our classroom, we can hope to better educate ourselves and use the readings/classroom conversation to gain insight on the topic. I do agree with you that this is going to be a challenge but I feel it is a challenge that should be approached with optimism.
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