In doing some research for my final project, I came across this article about an art show that took place last November in Baghdad. http://www.cjtf7.army.mil/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23896&Itemid=225 The theme of this art show was "New Life, New Culture."
Post-colonialism has a great deal to do with the changing cultures and the overall cultural identity of societies such as Baghdad, Iraq. In this case, one of the leaders in Baghdad took it upon himself to organize this "art and culture" show that took place in the Rashid district of Baghdad. In the article, they quoted the leader who organized the event, and he really seemed to have a passion for this idea of cultural identity, and how he could impact both the way citizens of Baghdad view their own culture, as well as how outsiders view the city and culture. He said, "Southern Baghdad is not thought to be supportive of the arts. Southern Baghdad has a reputation for violence, but this show will change that perception. This show will introduce a new way for the people of Iraq to live." Another Iraqi leader, Lt. Col. Timothy Watson said, "This event constitutes an important contribution to redefining the way the world perceives Iraq. It is about creating a new cultural identity beyond that of violence and war. It is about instilling pride in the Iraqi people for their won rich cultural heritage."
Anyway, just thought this was an interesting article. It was cool to hear about an example about how one city has been working to redefine and build themselves culturally, both for their own sake and for the purpose of showing other societies throughout the world that their culture is about more than just what we see on TV and in the newspaper-- the violence, war, and discourse that is so often put on display.
Post-colonialism has a great deal to do with the changing cultures and the overall cultural identity of societies such as Baghdad, Iraq. In this case, one of the leaders in Baghdad took it upon himself to organize this "art and culture" show that took place in the Rashid district of Baghdad. In the article, they quoted the leader who organized the event, and he really seemed to have a passion for this idea of cultural identity, and how he could impact both the way citizens of Baghdad view their own culture, as well as how outsiders view the city and culture. He said, "Southern Baghdad is not thought to be supportive of the arts. Southern Baghdad has a reputation for violence, but this show will change that perception. This show will introduce a new way for the people of Iraq to live." Another Iraqi leader, Lt. Col. Timothy Watson said, "This event constitutes an important contribution to redefining the way the world perceives Iraq. It is about creating a new cultural identity beyond that of violence and war. It is about instilling pride in the Iraqi people for their won rich cultural heritage."
Anyway, just thought this was an interesting article. It was cool to hear about an example about how one city has been working to redefine and build themselves culturally, both for their own sake and for the purpose of showing other societies throughout the world that their culture is about more than just what we see on TV and in the newspaper-- the violence, war, and discourse that is so often put on display.
This article was great! I found it very interesting and eye-opening! Great post!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I'm glad you found this. It's nice to be able to get back to Iraq and learn something new and positive about the country.
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