I have always been in favor of delving into the past (history) to provide a context for the present. Sand has followed the footsteps of thousands by uncovering the history of her surroundings, and this is something that can be replicated everywhere (for e.g: What was here before UH was built?).
There are several ways to capture the story of displaced people; newspapers do it all the time. The New York Times has fantastic feature-style coverage of international atrocities. But Sand makes it all the more horrific by describing how we have moved on and paved over a terrible past. (Maybe in an effort to blot out the guilt?)
Poetry, novels, autobiographies, nonfictions, paintings, sculptures, graffiti, etc have been tools for social causes. For example, to bring light to social inequality, Arab women took to their pens to create stories that reflected their perspective. Women like Maryana Marrash and Widad Sakakini were not only involved in the causes they fought for, but wrote extensively in an effort to draw attention. I think having a public voice/presence to share your work is a strong foothold in making a difference. When people see, know and understand your work, word will spread and your advocacy will become more effective.
Just have to say, I love this question.
ReplyDeleteI have always been in favor of delving into the past (history) to provide a context for the present. Sand has followed the footsteps of thousands by uncovering the history of her surroundings, and this is something that can be replicated everywhere (for e.g: What was here before UH was built?).
There are several ways to capture the story of displaced people; newspapers do it all the time. The New York Times has fantastic feature-style coverage of international atrocities. But Sand makes it all the more horrific by describing how we have moved on and paved over a terrible past. (Maybe in an effort to blot out the guilt?)
Poetry, novels, autobiographies, nonfictions, paintings, sculptures, graffiti, etc have been tools for social causes. For example, to bring light to social inequality, Arab women took to their pens to create stories that reflected their perspective. Women like Maryana Marrash and Widad Sakakini were not only involved in the causes they fought for, but wrote extensively in an effort to draw attention. I think having a public voice/presence to share your work is a strong foothold in making a difference. When people see, know and understand your work, word will spread and your advocacy will become more effective.