Saturday, 12 July 2014
Israel Palestine conflict: why we ought to be free thinkers
Israel's "operation protective edge" that's been targeting Hamas militants in Gaza has been a prominent news story this week. Tensions between Palestinians and Israelis have been rife since the late 1800's. Factual information aside, I have learned two lessons from this story and its coverage. One is the importance of being an independent thinker. And two is that media framing is eminent in the western world.
People with a moderate interest in news may have caught American politicians on television defending Israel's supposed attempt to protect their country or seen glimpses of newspaper headlines and then subconsciously formed an opinion. They would believe Israel to be innocuous and therefore, Palestinians to be notorious.
2014 is here and technology is evolving before our eyes. Information is easily accessible. It's healthy to have an opinion on events happening in the world. They may not be visible through our bedroom windows, but somewhere out there, bombs are being dropped, violence is merciless and innocents are having their lives taken away. Ignoring this and forming no thoughts on such issues is naive.
To help establish our opinions we should examine facts. Israel’s army has killed over 100 people since Tuesday; many were innocent civilians including women and children. A disability hospital was bombed. This is wrong, completely ignominious.
Perspective is also crucial. If unaware about the history of Israel and Palestine then research it to achieve a greater understanding of what is happening today.
My opinion is that through the years there has been brutality on both sides. Recently both Israeli and Palestinian teenagers have been victims of murder. This must be condemned. But I believe Israel to be ruthlessly oppressing.
But we are all individuals. Don't be swayed by my opinion, that of an American politician or a national newspaper. Be independent and make your own mind up.
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