Reflection #4 Parent’s Circle

As mentioned last night after the Parent’s circle and during class today- we all agreed with the overall goals of the organization in being examples of initiating open dialogue, treating one another equally as human beings, and breaking down negative stereotypes among “the other.” However, we all left the meeting pondering over some issues beit perpetuating negative stereotypes, providing non factual information, or not giving the full picture of both sides of the story.

One thing though that Shelby pointed out and that is very important to acknowledge is that these are their personal stories, emotional, maybe even irrational at times, but they are their personal narratives. Also, while it is important to know that these were individual stories and may not represent a majority view- it could also give insight on how stereotypes/ false information is used to strengthen the negative stereotyping of “the other.” In the case of the Palestinian woman whose friend’s water was turned off for four days, it seemed to me like she was blaming the Israeli government.  What if she doesn’t realize or doesn’t know that it may be a terrorist organization that was trying to stir up propaganda and thus turned off the water? Do many of her friends, family, community also blame the Israeli government for this lack of water?  I honestly don’t know too much about the water situation, but I think this example shows the personal views (maybe even misconceptions) that are circulated and build resentment and negative stereotyping in communities.

Furthermore, the Israeli man’s controversial labeling of the IDF as a “terrorist” organization did open up discussion about what some may argue are “dehumanizing” aspects of the military. However, I do agree that this was perpetuating negative stereotyping of the predominantly Jewish Israelis who serve in the IDF. Furthermore, I do think it is important to differentiate between dehumanization and understanding the reason behind being cautious for security reasons. While sadly, there are some IDF soldiers that may get a power trip from serving on the checkpoints; I would argue that many, maybe even a majority do not. Talking to my friend Nir who served in a combat unit and had to man checkpoints, he did not enjoy it at all, found it to be dehumanizing to Palestinians, but also saw checkpoints as necessary to security. Again, I do argue that all IDF soldiers should treat the Palestinians in a respectful manner (and there are those that don’t) but, again the checkpoints in Israel’s current state are necessary for security and the IDF soldiers are in a sense- in charge and responsible for that security.

I also think that showing the good (and not only the bad) of the IDF could have helped reduce negative stereotyping. My friend who served in the IDF shared a personal story with me wherein he was at a checkpoint and a Palestinian wouldn’t get out of his car at the checkpoint and the Palestinian threw a weapon at the soldier’s face injuring him very badly. Cases like these conjure up fear, and understandably so. While the mission of this organization is to break down stereotypes, and open un dialogue between these war torn people- I think it is necessary for the group to show the good and the bad of each side in order to  present a more comprehensive view of the issue and the layers of history, pain, fear that go along with it.