Identity Group Project Outline

In the identity group we have decided to look at how three different expressions of identity and culture aid in creating peace. Our three focuses are music, sports, and children as the future generation. I will personally be focusing on music and how it acts as a cultural meeting point for Israelis and Palestinians. Our idea of switching from dress to music was inspired by Miriam Said's talk and the Western-Eastern Divan Orchestra. 

Our basic outline looks something like this:

1. Western-Eastern Divan Orchestra- how it helps to open peace talks and looking at different reactions to the orchestra, both Israeli and Palestinian. 

We would like to showcase the music throughout the slideshow as a way to both hear and read about their impact on the conflict.

2. A group called Heartbeat: Jerusalem that is a hip-hop group made  Israeli and Palestinian people.

2.5? Other examples of musical groups that combine both Israelis and Palestinians. It might be interesting to look at protest music and other points of divergence to serve as counterarguments.

3. Look at the structure of popular music coming out of the Middle East and the similarities and distances between them as a way to connect the divided groups.

4. Ultimately, the connection it has to sports and children and how they are important components of identity within Jerusalem and open new avenues for peace talks and opportunities to connect intellectually as opposed to situations that are entirely motivated by politics. Politics lie at the heart of the issue, but tackling the problem at full force is not necessarily the answer. It may be just as important for the two groups to engage each other relatively neutral concepts such as music or sports. This is what we are hoping to capture throughout our presentation on identity and how it contributes to peace.