Reading Refletion #6 by Ariadna Ceballos

Use of Different Languages

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 03:35:50 UTC

Palestinians and transnational activists used different languages to ideally grab the attention of tourists in hopes that they would spread their message to larger transnational communities. The number one language that they used in their art was English. Toenjes states, "When English language graffiti creates opportunities for the images and their messages to circulate transnationally and to link up with transnational activist networks that can apply pressure to their own governments, and the Israeli government from the outside, the act of writing graffiti in English suggests a new mode of tactic, which is not merely reactive to power but also seeks to subvert it". If tourists can relate somehow to their resistance art, they can spread their message and bring acknowledgment to the issue. This can then help challenge the Israeli government and help Palestinians subvert the occupying power that Israel holds over them.

Use of Symbols

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 03:58:29 UTC

Palestinians used many different tactics to gain attention from tourists. They constantly tried to reach tourists who practiced Christianity. " Graffiti artists who want to reach out to these tourists would likely turn toward a common discourse, Christian theology and symbolism, to reach Christian religious tourists". In Christian religion, doves represent peace so Palestinians used doves in their graffiti as a smart way to call for tourists' attention. Their art reflected on calling for a peaceful unity between Palestine and Israel where they can co-exist with no occupying power. These symbols can attract outsiders attention which can lead to acknowledgment of the issue.

Locations

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 04:24:40 UTC

Palestinian graffiti artists were very strategic with which locations they decided to showcase their message. Most of the Palestinian art was plastered on the wall to show their views on the separation and obvious occupying power. They also put their art in places that were popular tourist attractions. Toenjes states, "Of the few studies of graffiti on the separation wall, the focus is on graffiti in either Bethlehem or Abu Dis, a neighborhood of Jerusalem. These important destinations, whose stretches of wall host not only large quantities of graffiti, but also some of the most popularized images, are important because they are most likely to be viewed and photographed by tourists." By strategizing the locations of the art, Palestinians can get more attention and coverage in the media transnationally.

The Wall "West Bank"

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 04:44:32 UTC

Palestinians have a great and deep issue with the wall. Israel had the idea and power to confiscate Palestinian land in order to construct a wall between them. Technically, the wall is a symbol. Peteet states, "Israelis refer to it as "the security fence" or "the separation barrier." Palestinians call it "the wall" or the "apartheid wall" and, more bitterly, apropos its incarceratory nature, forming "a prison without a roof". In resistance of the wall and the power that Israel holds over then, Palestinians used graffiti as activism and plastered their art on that very wall. They used different languages, symbols, and locations to attract a audience to learn about the injustice they face everyday.

Present Historical Moment

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 05:58:44 UTC

Upon learning about the resistance and the art activism, people all around the world have their attention on Gaza and are spreading Palestinians' message and issues worldwide. In 2024 we have witnessed many protests that stand with Palestine to demand an independent sate who is not controlled and oppressed by Israeli government. Their graffiti resistance art has reached transnational communities as they always hoped for and people are finally spreading their message.

Critiques

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 06:21:26 UTC

Peteet states "Post-2000 writing on the wall constitutes an intervention in political action but more as commentary and critical response than a means to propel direct action". The graffiti criticizes Israeli government and those who are in support of them. For example, The United States funds Israeli occupations all while at the same time donating money to Palestine organizations that are fighting to overthrow those exact occupations that they are funding. It's an act of calling out the irony and hypocrisy that is being hidden.

References

ariadnaceballos007 — 2024-10-13 06:27:48 UTC

Peteet, J. (2016). Wall talk: Palestinian graffiti. In Routledge handbook of graffiti and street art. J. E. Ross (Ed.) 334-344

Toenjes, A. (2015). This wall speaks: Graffiti and transnational networks in Palestine. Jerusalem Quarterly 61, 55-68.