I recall being fascinated, in First Year Psychology, by Stanley Milgram's work on the psychology of obedience. My recollections are less vivid concerning the equally fascinating psychology of in-group and out-group behaviour. Whoever studied this surely inspired the lyrics in a song by Peter Gabriel (Not one of us): "There's safety in numbers, When you learn to divide, How can we be in, If there is no outside." Powerful words that describe prejudice and social cliques, and very relevant to the world this week.
My notes
In the last week Israel has used excessive force against its neighbour, Lebanon. It has decided to punish that nation for the offenses of a minority, claiming the moral right to defend itself by randomly killing (mostly) unarmed men, women, and children. Such is the nature of conflict, although this retribution is undertaken by a People that should know better and act differently in relation to random killings.
It is sad to witness the Middle East in conflict again, as the TV networks lap up the fresh blood and do their utmost to sensationalize events. Alas Lebanon; you hardly had a chance to breathe and you are plunged back into chaos...
We visited Lebanon in September 2005 (our journal is here), when things were somewhat quieter (that's a relative use of the word). As we walked about the city centre of Beirut, we commented on the high standard of the renovations and the evident effort that was being made to make good the damage done by years of war. But there were also signs that much of this was superficial, as if too much makeup was being applied to cover bad skin. There were visible cracks in the facade.
Click thumbnail to enlarge image
Dining behind barriers
To me this photo captures the story of Beirut's recent past. It is a city whose inhabitants are divided into distinct groups by ideological and political differences. There has been some physical rejuvenation and social reconciliation despite these barriers to a lasting peace. The tourists were coming back. Beirut was emerging from the smoke and mayhem with a new confidence, hoping once again to become the Paris of the Middle East.
But it would seem this vision is shattered; it doesn't fit well with the news footage of foreign nationals being evacuated from the capital by helicopter. It's those barriers that are to blame, both within the country of Lebanon and within the Middle East region. Blowing stuff up is surely no way to bring them down.
Your notes
What does the image of the barrier evoke in you?
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