offthebeatenpath
Selective Human Rights Advocacy on International Women’s Day
As the world ostentatiously celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s a grim reminder of the stark contrast between the rhetoric of gender equality and the abject reality endured by women and girls in Gaza. While the global stage is adorned with slogans of empowerment and progress, the women of Palestine are left to grapple with the …
Activists Use Children’s Clothing Display to Highlight the Toll of the Palestinian Kids Killed
In a deeply unsettling manifestation of the human cost of the war on Gaza, UK activists have taken a poignant approach to draw attention to the tragic loss of innocent lives. Since October 7th, the war has claimed over 11,500 Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank, a devastating toll that is difficult to …
From Lebanon to America: The Chronicles of the ‘Not-So-White’ Wanderer
Once upon a time in the land of hummus and history, also known as Lebanon, I believed that we were all part of a mystical, monochromatic tribe called “white.” Little did I know, my journey from the Middle East to West Africa and finally to the land of cheeseburgers and “freedom” would be a rollercoaster …
Double Standards in Geopolitics
In a thought-provoking reflection, Hamid Dabashi (a professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University) encourages readers to imagine a fictional scenario where countries like Iran, Syria, Lebanon, or Turkey, supported by Russia and China, bomb Tel Aviv for three months. The grim portrayal includes the murder of tens of thousands, countless injuries, …
Examining Edward Said’s Legacy in the Context of the Israeli Oppression of the Palestinians
Edward Said‘s seminal work, “Orientalism,” continues to resonate profoundly in the contemporary world, offering a critical framework to understand power dynamics, cultural representations, and their impact on geopolitical conflicts. One area where Said’s insights are particularly relevant is the Israeli-Palestinian issue, where the discourse surrounding the situation echoes historical Orientalist patterns. Said’s “Orientalism” explores how …
The Paradox of Colonialism: A Tale of Orientalism and Palestinian Oppression
The 20th century left an indelible mark on history, offering profound lessons on the complexities of colonialism. One of its paradoxes lies in the shift of perspective, where the imperialistic logic, acceptable when applied abroad, turned devastating when reversed in Europe. To fully understand this paradox, we must delve into the intricacies of colonial thought, …
Breaking Free from Binary Thinking: Navigating Complexity in a Nuanced World
In a world inundated with information, the ability to think critically and rationally is crucial. However, as we navigate the vast landscape of ideas and opinions, it becomes apparent that binary thinking often dominates our discussions. Whether it’s politics, social issues, or scientific debates, the tendency to reduce complex topics to simplistic dualities has become …
Hollywood’s Portrayal of America’s Underdog Narrative
Americans have a penchant for underdog stories, a narrative that Hollywood has mastered over the years. Superhero movies, a staple of American cinema, consistently depict the United States as a force for good. However, it’s crucial to scrutinize this cinematic portrayal against the backdrop of the country’s complex geopolitical history. While Hollywood has painted the …
A Letter to Palestine: We have Failed you!
Dear Palestine, At times, it pains me to think that in your world, we might seem like mere shadows. My heart aches as I acknowledge the profound failures of humanity, the wounds inflicted upon you that may be too deep for forgiveness. They’ve seized your land, torn apart your people, and subjected you to air, …
Orientalism: The Imitation Or Depiction Of Aspects In The Eastern World By Western Superiority
“Arabs, for example, are thought of as camel-riding, terroristic, hook-nosed, venal lechers whose undeserved wealth is an affront to real civilization. Always there lurks the assumption that although the Western consumer belongs to a numerical minority, he is entitled either to own or to expend (or both) the majority of the world resources. Why? Because …
Beirut’s Holiday Inn: a symbol of the Lebanese Civil War
Today April 13, marks the 46th anniversary of the beginning of the Lebanese civil war, and the abandoned Holiday Inn Hotel is one of Beirut’s war landmarks. This 26-story building officially opened in 1974 when Beirut’s economy was booming and when Beirut was one of the most visited touristic centers of the Middle East. The …
Empowering Students To Become Innovators & Creative Thinkers Through Art
Not one of the artists we report on was born a fully-fledged creative. Their individual bodies of work stem from education, whether that education is experiential or formal. An early exposure to the arts is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child; it expands their minds and unlocks new insights that wouldn’t …