Living environment shaped by the occupation: symbols, history, and
political identity
The everyday space of Palestinian children is studded with symbols and
signs related to the occupation or to the struggle against oppression.
After observing children’s everyday practices within their environment,
it is apparent that their understanding of the political situation in
which they live is reflected through their ability to interpret those
symbols and signs that surround them. For instance, in front of the
separation wall, a 13-year-old girl from the Dheisheh camp described how
the graffiti on the wall has been critically important for understanding
her country’s situation and the meaning of the wall itself. Similarly,
an 11-year-old boy from Nablus drew our attention to the many photos of
martyrs hung up in the street, explaining that those ‘pictures are here
to teach us and remind us that these people died in order to protect us
and our country.”
The fact that their everyday surroundings are dotted by historical and
political reminders provide children with opportunities to connect with
significant memories of their community’s past as well as with shared
values that might help in shaping future strategies and actions.