Don’t Hate. Liberate! – Muraleslian’s Powerful Tribute to Queer Youth Advocacy in New England
Last September, the streets of New England witnessed the birth of a monumental masterpiece, as the renowned artist muraleslian unveiled “Don’t Hate. Liberate!” – the largest Pride mural in the region, if not beyond. This vibrant and impactful artwork stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of the members of Out Now, a youth-led, …
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 …
Greenpeace and UNMUTE Gaza Collaborate to Unveil Shepard Fairey’s Piece at Reina Sofia Museum, Urging Immediate Ceasefire
Madrid, Spain, 24 January 2024 – In a powerful display of solidarity and advocacy for peace, Greenpeace, in collaboration with UNMUTE Gaza, unveiled an impactful illustration by renowned US visual artist Shepard Fairey, also known as “Obey,” at Madrid’s Reina Sofia museum. The unveiling took place early this morning, as Greenpeace climbers scaled the museum …
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, …
UNMUTE GAZA: A Creative Movement Bringing Gaza’s Photojournalists to the Streets
UNMUTE GAZA has transcended borders, seizing the Guggenheim in New York, adorning buildings in Mumbai, and streets throughout Spain—its impact spanning 21 countries and 31 cities and counting. In its latest move, the project collaborates with renowned American artist Shepard Fairey, adding his creative prowess to an international roster of visual artists, who are creating …
DO YOU REALIZE? A Mural on Climate Change By Kevin Ledo
Canadian Artist Kevin Ledo worked with the ladies of Girls Inc. in Lynn, Massachusetts to bring awareness to the pressing problem of climate change. In his mural, below the question, DO YOU REALIZE? Kevin painted a portrait of a young climate activist named, DeeDee. The overwhelming consensus among publishing scientists that climate change is a …