learning to share space: thoughts on N. Ireland

Here are a few questions I am pondering as I debrief from my trip to Ireland.

Is violence the key to having your voice heard? Is there another way for oppressed people to speak up?

In Ireland's case it seems likely that the Catholics would never have gained a voice had they not used violence. Is there some mechanism we could set up internationally that allows groups to be heard without first proving their worth through violence?

How do we transform symbols that perpetuate violence into symbols that perpetuate peace?

The symbols of "the troubles" run rampant in N. Ireland. Peace walls that segregate communities, murals that make political statements about each group's identity, memorials to freedom fighters/terrorists (depending on who you talk to), bonfires that desecrate the symbols of the other faction, curbs that are painted with the colors of your cause; all these make it easy to know whose neighborhood you are in.

Mediators are struggling with questions of whether or not to begin the process of integration. Each group seems to feel that the end of segregation would mean the end of their own group identity. The interface set-up brings quick security to a neighborhood. In fact, one could argue that the segregation emboldens a community to boast their identity with more fervor.

quick facts:
the UK spends 1.5 billion pounds a year to maintain segregation in northern ireland. because of course, if you dont trust the people on the other side of the peace wall why would you go use their swimming pool? Their must be maintained two of everything, one on each side of the wall.

Since 1994, there have been 9 new peace barriers built- one of which was built within an integrated public school (which there are very few of).

The peace walls belong to the communities, as do the bonfires, murals and memorials.
Unfortunately, it seems to be no deterrent that many of these symbols are illegal. No one is willing to challenge the community's right to these symbols.

Will people let go of symbols that perpetuate violence if they are presented with an alternative that offers more long-term security of identity?

How much do you need your truth?
Is there a balance to be found that forgets some of the facts about the past in order to make amends for the future? Forgetting the past grievances in N. Ireland leaves baggage, but pursuing the details of past grievances could destabilize the relative peace that exists now.

If we cannot solve the conflict in Northern Ireland, a developed and wealthy nation with a history of relative friendly international and intranational relations, how can we expect to solve conflicts in impoverished and historically unfriendly nations?

To sum, my trip to Ireland left me with more questions than answers and more confusion than resolve. The situation is not simple, but it is clear that the lives and identities of people are at stake. So keep thinking.

to see more of my pictures:
ireland
and
sectarian things