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“Golden Dome” Tasniim Abdullahi Acrylic on Canvas
The current situation in Palestine is a social issue that is extremely important to me. I feel this way due to the injustices that the innocent people of Palestine face because of the occupation by “Israel. ” People in Palestine have been through many wars from “Israel” , and the Palestinials have not received any justice, nor peace. The land of Palestine is being stolen and occupied, citizens have been misplaced and stripped of their rights. I chose to make this painting because I want to raise awareness for the injustices in Palestine, and I hope to inspire those who have not heard about it to research it. I choose to voice my agency though art. I decided to paint the flag of Palestine behind the Golden Dome, along with a banner going across the painting, and a symbol of the blood of the innocent, Palestinian children, women, and men murdered by the acts of “Israel. ”
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One of the IB learner traits is being a risk-taker, and I believe using my voice is taking a risk. Once you use your voice and pick a side, you are then subject to disagreement, argument, and even possible violence from the opposing side, or those who think that “Israel” has a right to the land. In my words, protest means to me the act of expressing your disagreement towards or against a certain topic. For example, I would protest against the lack of gun regulation, lack of clean water in Flint, or the Israeli occupation in Palestine.
The public sphere can get engaged and involved with protest through social media, or “clicktivism” which is a great way to be involved in protest without attending physical protests, if you are unable to. Clicktivism has played a major role during the BLM protests, when many were not able to attend protests due to COVID. I believe that being engaged in protest is a civic responsibility, because you speak and use your voice for those who cannot, for example, during the internet shut-downs in Kashmir. Civic responsibility is being educated and informed about social issues, and contributing to the issue by educating others and protesting in a constructive manner. Everybody may have different ways of using their voice. Some choose spoken word poetry, music, art, posters, and posting on social media.
Time, place, and space affect the point of view of people. Depending on where you live, you might be faced with more people who have certain beliefs, and very few who disagree. The space, or environment you are in is also a factor because of how the people you are around influence your opinion and ideas, even if you do not notice it. When people have different opinions on a social issue, it can cause clashes and lead to bigger problems like hate speech and violence. This is also why choosing to voice your agency could be risky. It is important to not cause any harm to either side of a social issue, even if you do not agree with them. When someone else’s views do not align with your own, try to educate them and listen to their side of the argument as well, and make sure you are educated.
Creator: Tasniim Abdullahi Title of work: Golden Dome Media: Acrylic on canvas Issue/Theme: Freedom for Palestine
