Reading- Writing on the Walls

Graffiti on the walls instantly brings to mind the writings on the bathroom stalls of the Central Classroom Building here at OSU.  Although this is considerably different, the image of the different handwriting and colors used, the hand-drawn images (some better than others) simply remind me of the graffiti here at home. 

In a way, if doesn’t matter how petty the opinion written, or by contrast, how widely- affecting the world conflict that people are writing about.  Walls are indifferent bystanders; they are modems for the emotions and opinions of others.  Any firmly held belief, however small, that one may not feel is being heard or represented in the world in any other way may be written or drawn on the wall.  This way, everyone can see it, and perhaps be impacted by it.

The thing I loved the most about Noura’s article was the universals: we all carry with us he hope of reconciliation and peace, we all long for a homeland.  When put this way, concepts like Zionism seem much less foreign to me.  It also brings to mind some of the tragic effects of not recognizing the legitimacy of the “other,” and of their own claims.  This can be said of both sides, and once each side at least recognizes the common desires of the “other,” my hope is that these boundaries one people between themselves and another can begin to fade.  Like the article mentioned, there is nothing about excluding others that is essential to any individual or group’s identity.

The reading about Vardi was amazing.  It is really inspiring to see someone my age (or younger!) taking such a courageous role in the struggle for peace.  The article mentioned that she was in Bel’in, a village I now know vaguely about from the movie 5 Broken Cameras.  In a place and a time plagued with violence, it is incredible to see the resolve in those who choose peaceful protest.