Reading Response to Klein and Peteet & Question for PAYLARA

  Klein's article discussing the purpose of walls proved exceedingly interesting. The notion of Jerusalem's walls being there for aggression and exclusion rather than protection from outside forces is interesting to note. Usually walls perform the latter-serving as barriers; but in Jerusalem, they represent the rift between its people and the obstacle to which they must overcome. The main point I took away from this article is how the walls within Israel serve to create the "other" and serve to further separate people, both physically and socially; these walls just further promote differences and disagreements. While these walls are high in number, the manner in which it is discussed in how easy it is to cross them creates an important point. Facets such as the labor market and health care require for cooperation amongst opposing groups, thus revealing how much they really do depend on one another. Overall, this was a great article that put a new light on daily life in Jerusalem.
    Peteet's  article was by far my favorite piece we have read thus far in class. As shown by the image displayed in my blog, I LOVE graffiti. It is something I have always had a passion for- when i was a kid i use to practice it one big pieces of cardboard or any other large scrap material I could find; it's pretty much the only art form I have ever had an inkling for. I had never thought much of it until I learned more about it in college and discovered in most places in the world, it is used as an artistic form of political expression. My favorite example are found in Ireland during "The Troubles" and in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem it is a dangerous task, and although works can be short lived, when they earn outside recognition their impact is tremendous. Word is quickly spread amongst the people and their message is quickly noted. Even when they are quickly recognized by police or troops, they then serve as a platform for further political dialogue and expression. It's interesting to see what many in the U.S. see as gang vandalism can serve a political agenda and form of expression in other countries. Its importance in Jerusalem far exceeds its importance here.
    My questions for PAYALARA: What are you earliest memories of the separation barriers and did you always view it as something excluding people or just as simple barriers? Also, what is the most powerful piece of art (graffiti) you have witnessed? How did others react to it?