The Global Studies program requires each student to attend nine events related to themes of global studies. However, it is encouraged to attend more than the mandatory nine related to personal interests, or simply to expand your knowledge and perspective. I find attending these elective events especially easy, as with each one I gain a clearer world view, further developing my own opinions on issues ranging from the treatment of immigrants, to the Cambodian genocide.
Kinda (Jordan)
Skype With a Syrian Refugee
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Each year, Watkinson Global Studies students are given the opportunity to Skype with a Syrian refugee. This year, we Skyped with an Arabic teacher, Kinda, who now resides in Jordan. Compared to our Skype last year (2019) with Tarek Zakanda, Kinda seemed much more positive and content with her situation. In my reflection from 2019, I mentioned that Tarek had an extremely difficult process acquiring a Visa. Once he arrived in Lebanon, he was greeted with mostly contempt and discrimination, as the citizens blamed Syrian refugees for the chaos occurring in the Middle East. He could not pursue his stories or find a job. In contrast, Kinda teaches Arabic and said she has been welcomed by Jordanians. One of the reasons for this is that many citizens of Jordan are Palestinian, and have experienced life as a refugee as well. Kinda seems to have received more sympathy and aid in her situation, most likely due to the location she ended up in.
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Kinda’s opinions on the United States made me think about Americans’ assumptions of foreigners, and how we can better try to understand those different from us. Our current government has expressed strong resentment towards refugees, has a tense relationship with the Middle East, and has supported discriminatory remarks towards Muslims in the past. However, Kinda acknowledged the difference between the politics of a country and its citizens. She showed interest in our lives and experiences and was in no way discontented with us, although our government has failed to aid her and other Syrian refugees when they needed it most. In contrast, in the United States, we are often judgmental of different cultures and denounce entire peoples simply because of their government’s actions. Ironically, many US citizens try to distance themselves from the actions of our own government. Kinda’s positive attitude made me consider my approach to international politics and rethink my perceptions of different cultures.
The Normalization of Hate
Freshly Squeezed With Colin McEnroe
Each year Watkinson hosts Freshly Squeezed: An Evening with Colin McEnroe of Connecticut Public Radio. This fall, Freshly Squeezed featured a discussion of the normalization of hate. Special guests included Jennifer Herdt from Yale Div. School, Gilbert L. Stark, a professor of Christian Ethics, Professors Richard Wilson and Molly Land, from UConn Law School, and Steve Ginsburg, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League.
Hate is extremely prevalent in our society. Whether it be the actions themselves, the excessive media exposure they recieve, or the aggressive and distressing words building up to them, hate crimes have become almost a commonality. The Freshly Squeezed discussion did not bring hate to my attention, but it’s unsustainably large and accepted role in our lives. The definition of hate is, ironically, a point of conflict that prevents unequivocal from existing. Hate crimes are often isolated or misdefined because motive and intent--crucial factors in recognizing a hate crime--can be subjective. Therefore, it is necessary to create concrete, enforceable standards regarding hate, such as the presence of discriminating or biased language, paraphernalia or history. Crimes that are suspected to be hateful towards a certain group of people must be thoroughly investigated in order to prevent recurrence. One thing I found interesting at Freshly Squeezed was the discussion of a “proper” reaction to hate: should we fight fire with fire, or remain balanced? It is difficult to dull our inflammatory natural human tendencies when provoked, but passion causes more conflict to arise. If one is committed to a change in society, responding with facts and a non-threatening attitude are the most effective route.
Hate is extremely prevalent in our society. Whether it be the actions themselves, the excessive media exposure they recieve, or the aggressive and distressing words building up to them, hate crimes have become almost a commonality. The Freshly Squeezed discussion did not bring hate to my attention, but it’s unsustainably large and accepted role in our lives. The definition of hate is, ironically, a point of conflict that prevents unequivocal from existing. Hate crimes are often isolated or misdefined because motive and intent--crucial factors in recognizing a hate crime--can be subjective. Therefore, it is necessary to create concrete, enforceable standards regarding hate, such as the presence of discriminating or biased language, paraphernalia or history. Crimes that are suspected to be hateful towards a certain group of people must be thoroughly investigated in order to prevent recurrence. One thing I found interesting at Freshly Squeezed was the discussion of a “proper” reaction to hate: should we fight fire with fire, or remain balanced? It is difficult to dull our inflammatory natural human tendencies when provoked, but passion causes more conflict to arise. If one is committed to a change in society, responding with facts and a non-threatening attitude are the most effective route.
Palestine Museum US
Faisal Saleh-Speaker and Chairman of Museum
A longstanding controversy I only recently explored is the Palestine-Israel conflict. In both Global Studies and my War on Terror course, we have discussed the varying perspectives and heard from a Palestine native, Hazza Abo Rabia, as well as a former Watkinson student from an affluent white Jewish community. However, visiting the Palestine museum was a new experience altogether. The Palestine Museum US in Woodbridge, CT is the first of its kind, boldly confronting the controversy and providing a reminder of Palestinian culture for those who cannot return home.
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We heard from the founder and chairman, Faisal Saleh, before viewing the museum. Faisal emphasized the importance of maintaining culture at a time when Palestinians cannot return to their true homeland. In order to feel closer to home, they practice old traditions like embroidery and connect with other Palestinians to reminisce. The museum not only informs Americans of Palestinian culture and allows Palestinians to celebrate their own artistic excellence and heritage, but also proves to the world that Palestinians are here and will not go away. Faisal also mentioned that the museum allows second and third generation Palestinians to strengthen their identity and learn about their parents’ and grandparents’ lifestyle.
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Meet Thy Neighbor
Local Refugees Event
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One event that was particularly interesting to me was the Meet Thy Neighbor Refugee Panel at UCONN Law School I attended in late October. The panel featured four refugees from the Middle East and a translator relaying their stories to the audience. They seemed nervous at first, especially an older woman who spoke little English. However, in what little of their stories they shared, the hardship and trauma was easy to uncover. One obstacle that seemed to repeat through all their stories was the language barrier, and the troubles it posed once in America. Just listening to the middle-aged woman attempting to speak to the audience in English and then reverting to her first language showed me how frustrating it must be to succeed in a foreign country, whether it be applying for a job, renting a house or apartment, even something as simple as asking for help at the grocery store. The personal recounts and detailed experiences provided a much clearer view of the disadvantages that refugees face.
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