Intractable conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian one, are characterised by a culture of con... more Intractable conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian one, are characterised by a culture of conflict, which self-perpetuates by creating an environment where denial of the other through the us/them distinction becomes existential to the self. Negative stereotypes, appearing in children as young as 4, are one means of constructing and sustaining these group boundaries. Given the young age at which stereotypes set in, it is crucial that we intervene early to debunk them. Peace communication interventions (PCI) are one way to change perceptions of the other, rehumanising him, before these stereotypes are anchored. By mediating contact between members of the ingroup and outgroup, they can alleviate group anxiety and promote direct contact. In the first part of this paper, I examine the nexus between conflict and identity, discussing the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind mediated contact PCIs. Having established the added benefit of a PC approach to conflict resolution, I critically analyse the Israeli-Palestinian production of Sesame Street (Rechov Sumsum/Shara’a Simsim) as an example of a mediated contact intervention, using practical and theoretical frameworks to expose what works and potential areas to enhance effectiveness.
Intractable conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian one, are characterised by a culture of con... more Intractable conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian one, are characterised by a culture of conflict, which self-perpetuates by creating an environment where denial of the other through the us/them distinction becomes existential to the self. Negative stereotypes, appearing in children as young as 4, are one means of constructing and sustaining these group boundaries. Given the young age at which stereotypes set in, it is crucial that we intervene early to debunk them. Peace communication interventions (PCI) are one way to change perceptions of the other, rehumanising him, before these stereotypes are anchored. By mediating contact between members of the ingroup and outgroup, they can alleviate group anxiety and promote direct contact. In the first part of this paper, I examine the nexus between conflict and identity, discussing the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind mediated contact PCIs. Having established the added benefit of a PC approach to conflict resolution, I critically analyse the Israeli-Palestinian production of Sesame Street (Rechov Sumsum/Shara’a Simsim) as an example of a mediated contact intervention, using practical and theoretical frameworks to expose what works and potential areas to enhance effectiveness.
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Papers by Meghan S-K