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.