engine of souls | forum 2

mre · Senior Member

Assignment #7: Promises (Palestine & Israel)

mitchelltetreault · Member

mre wrote:

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists? Things that are hard to hear are the things that affect you everyday. Like if people think two different ways about family or friends that would be difficult to hear. Also things such as religion, education, and where or how you were brought up as a child might be on both lists.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges? First words, perhaps playing a sport or doing other group activities and first day of school are universal amongst most children. Bridges can be built by having different children connect with each other during sporting events or bring two classes from different areas together to learn about the other's differences.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? Luckily for me, I have never had to think about such questions as these. I feel people take things for granted everyday, and we should be thankful if we never have to worry about these things.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker? Being surrounded by tough situations deffinately affects the way you live and look at the world around. Trust becomes an issue, and it is almost like you are living day by day just trying to survive. September 11 has changed my ability to be peace-maker because it seems I am often paranoid and try to avoid bad situations.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized? The children sit down and talk, eat, and play soccer together. I think things people have in common help break barriers amongst people. I think instead of hating people for what they have or what they don't have, you should look at the things you have in common and share them.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses? American soldiers and officials have been humanized and anyone who looks of Middle Eastern decent is automatically looked down upon since 9-11. When you hear about how bad the media and government makes these people sound it turns American citizens against them, and instead of accepting them we turn the other way.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not? I think people cherish there homes and land because it wasn't just there for them. They had to work hard to achieve the position they are in. Churches or other buildings and land that was there before is almost given to people so they don't appreciate it as much if they had to earn it.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)? I think the September 11 attacks have affected every single person in America because you have to think twice before getting onto an airplane. The fact that you could die any moment because of somebody else's hatred toward you or your country scares people.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)? The Israelis and Palestinians both have a strong religious background and believe highly in religion. However, the groups have different cultural backgrounds and cannot get over something that happened ages ago. I think the checkpoints act as discrimination, almost as if to say "get out, you don't belong here."

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does? All the children had their opinions on the others based on what their culture thinks about those groups of people. However, when the children finally met each other it seemed their opinions changed. They wanted to become friends but feared they would get in trouble or more problems would develop from their friendships.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible? I am not a religious person so my religious traditions dont teach me anything about peace.

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other? If I could tell the speaker one thing it would be to get to know who they're talking about before they speak. Hatred, in this case, is built up generation to generation by family members. Some children are willing to put aside their differences because they have other things to worry about rather than hating this group or that group. Community events like sports activities or cookouts, a get-together once and while will facilitate people getting to know each other and will help to settle hatred between people.

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges? Trusting the situation, and knowledge that the visit will benefit your child will make the decision easier to let your child participate. I think building trust and not worrying to much would help preventing fear of connecting to others. Sometimes you have to let your guard down, because you can learn something and it will help you in the long run.

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

Cassy23 · Member

mre wrote:

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

It was hard for me to hear little kids wanting to kill others and being so viloent. They shouldn't be thinking like that and making the problem worse, they should be wanting to get along to make it right.

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?

Some things that might be hard for someone who disagrees with me to hear would be my views on a certain situations such as family, religion, education, etc. All those topics would be on both of our lists. People don't like to hear discussions that doesnt agree with their views.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?

I never had to contemplate those statements. Hopefully I would never have to either. No one should feel fear and unsafe in their home town. A lot of people take their lives for granted, many don't have to think about if their going to die today by terrorists or anything in that nature.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?

People start to think that violence is the answer. It starts to affect your view of the world and that there is no such thing as peace and violence is the only way to get something you want. Events of September 11 influenced my ability to be a peace-maker because we should be finding a solution to our problems and not just using violence and aggression.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?

The moments that happened that seemed to weaken the barriers between the children was when all the kids put their differences aside and acted like kids. Not violent children that hates others because of the situation. They played games, ate together, talked together, like how normal kids act.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?

Since the event of September 11, Americans have been humanized and the Middle East have been demonized by the media and government. Constantly, there were only negative comments made by the media and government towards the Middle East. Since that is all we hear, we are brainwashed to think that the Middle East is this horrible place with horrible people.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?

The kind of issues i think about does not compare to the issues the kids have in the film. I think about my future, job, car insurance, paying bills. I don't try to aviod things.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

-- Edited by Cassy23 at 16:14, 2008-09-30

-- Edited by Cassy23 at 16:51, 2008-09-30

fahimmulti · Veteran Member

Below
are questions to answer. For more information on the video and
resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes
expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as
well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely
to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about
whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which
things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and
why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to
hear, which things might be on both lists? it might be hard for someone to hear the other side claiming that the land is theirs because it had belonged to their ancestors because the person believes the total opposite of their account, he or she believes it is theirs not the person that is claiming it, so their views clash greatly.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges? the moments when the jewish kids and the arab kids were brought together to meet and they got along fine despite how much they hated each other and of their blood feud, their forget their anomisity and they behaved like naive kids just trying to have fun. we can use the experiences of how each other are right now, how we all came from the same parents, adam and eve (according to islam and judaism) so we all are blood related as brothers and sisters then what causes us to collide against each other, why dont we get along? these things could possibly be discussed which may bring friendship.

Did
you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus
Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the
army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father
ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave
this place or return to my familys home? no, i fortunatly did not have to think about these hazards since we live in a very safe and sound enviroment and a secure country, so these issues dont arise at all whatsoever, thank God!

What
happens to people when normal means are surrounded by war? What
impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find
peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your
ability to be a peace-maker? i think that war totally exhausts the human mind and does not let it focus on a bright future because the person would be too concerned about their safety and well being. with daily conflict people would be tired of life and its meaning and would try to just live for the moment with no ambitions and desires. i think that the 9/11 attacks have influenced me greatly because i think and i believe firmly that a global negiotiation should be met between the eastern world and the western world for the well being of both the regions, due to the fact that nothing can be solved with aggression and enemity but love and friendship.

There are moments in PROMISES when
the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things
are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments
possible? Are
there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own
community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is
humanized? the meeting between the two groups are being held so they have a chance to speak to each other and weigh each other's opinions and logic.i dont think there is any barriers in our city because it is very diverse and racism does not exist too much( knock on wood). the meaning of hate dies down once people face the truth and their enemies in order to justify their positions and their stance.

Since
the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been
demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals
influence your opinions about appropriate responses? i think that the middle eastern countries have been humanized and the west has been demonized. i think that these countries have taken serious action so far but not justifies and accurate ones.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What
would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the
amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save
your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would
you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or
why not? our attachments to land comes from our families and ancestors that have occupied the same land for years and years. we value some claims because it is more important to us. one would risk to keep their land because may it serves them a great purpose or right. i may risk my belongings for my house. yes, i would risk more to save my church than a mall. yes, i would risk more to save my home than an absurd game stadium.

How
have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your
ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to
acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk
whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or
a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)? the 9/11 has made me think that even we in the u.s. cannot be safe, afterall it is only earth not the heavens.it feels fine to acknowledge that anything could happen at any time no matter what because anything is possible.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate
worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the
Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce
different perspectives (
e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of
harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an
appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional
provocation)? the israelis live in good house and neighborhoods very similar to america but the palestininas live in camps in horrible and poor living conditions which can gain a bit sympathy. there is nothing that's the same because it is like paradise vs. earth. one can see that injustice is shaping up against the arab palestinians and that the jewish israelis are dominating with the assistance of america and doing whatever they wish and they are still making it seem like they are innocent and that the palestinians are the culprits.

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over
the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the
film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko
says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is
he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering
of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects
for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict
the way that Yarko does? fear lets us to help someone else so that they dont end up in our shoes at one point. some children are sympathetic like faraj and are willing to befriend the opposite side but the opposite side is not too close and want to draw away the hand. at the end the children are concerned with their surroundings not with opposites because they are not able to meet each other on a regular basis. i guess he is justified because he is only a kid but if he was an adult then he would be nothing but selfish and pathetic. peace cannot be met. i think cannot evade the conflict because he is living through the conflict when yarko is not even in the conflict, he is just living his life freely.

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with? i think about my future because i want to be someone. i dont avoid anything that i can think of.

The
three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam,
and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does
your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected
in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If
not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible? it is similar to the believes of peace itself. yes, it is. yes, in a way. people respect each other and want peace.

How
is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate?
As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does
the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or
about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between
fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist
beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of
fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those
circumstances? the whole conflict is basically about the religion, which leads to the land conflict. religion means a lot to a lot of people around the world.

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We
have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the
soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I
support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do
it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be.
Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So
we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who
have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
i think that two speakers here are extreme, one is mahmoud and the other one is moishe, but moishe is very extreme for no meaningful reason because they are the one who have everything as opposed to the palestinian mahmoud who are forced out of their homes and who have to abide by the rules of the domineering israelis.

Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why
do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their
differences while others are not even interested in participating in a
conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that
teach or reinforce hate? the hatred comes from daily experiences and mostly by upbringing. some kids just want to be kids. gangs are part of our community that are disliked by most but admired by some youngsters.

Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other? i might hold special occasions for people of the same age to meet and talk in getting to know each other.

The
twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a
refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome
Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would
you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you
participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from
blocking our ability to build bridges? i would not unfortunatly because one just never knows what could await, danger or safety, but i will not be willing to take the risk. i would participate myself either in such circumstances. talking on the phone is a good and safe way of communicating safely without any possible risk or peril.

HELENA18 · Member

1. it was hard to hear how much anger and pain the kids had on their heart. i find hard because they are just kids and its like theone word that comes through their mouth is death, sadness, killing.

2. i think some other people will find hard to hear that life isn't always magic and happiness and that those kids was there and lived the worst thing that a person could.

3. the only part that felt like their were kids was when they were playing sports and having fun with each other. when the twins went to visit the other kid.

4. i never experiance anything like fearing about when my dad was going get out of the prison or get scared to get a bus where i am blown up. but i do worry if im ever going to go back to my country and see my family's and my home. it'z hard because i hate being here but i know i have to if i want to have a good future and be able to help my mom. also im on the fase that i have to decide witch way i want to take. im kind in between of army, air force or college and its hard because i don't know if im going to come alive or make the right choice.

5. i think people that lived their whole life surround by wars doesn't have a clue what normal is. there is always going to be that litle voice in the back off their mind thinking if thats is normal or not. the September 11 accident had a big good and bad influence on me. i never felt so sad and lonly on my life. my mother was here and i was in cape verde with ma sisters and brothers. we didn't had any news about if was where my mom was and we suffer for a whole week thinking that our mom could be on that accident. after a week she called and everything became to normal but i would never forget about that dayy. the good thing that came out was that i learn that life was to short to waste our time making people missarable and trying to make others feel bad. tha's why when i see someone making others feel bad or make others cry i stand up for them doesn't matter who they are and i say whats on my mind. especially making fun about their colors.

vreyes09 · Member

mre wrote:

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why? After watching PROMISES things that would be hard for someone to hear would be the Jewish and Palestinian children talking about their land and why its theirs and to talk about how they hate the other race and wish they would get shot or something.
Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists? It would be hard for someone who doesn't agree with me to hear me talk about religion, education, equal rights, beliefs on abortions etc. and some of those things may be on both lists since we disagree about those topics of discussion.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges? Yes there were. For instance when the kids just wanted to talk about sports and play instead of bringin up things they know the disagree on such as polotics. We can use common ground to build bridges by having the children play, meet and unite and let that generation pave the way for a brighter more peaceful future.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? No. Thank God, I'm blessed enough to live in a country where I haven't had to ask myself those questions,and that I haven't been in situations where i would be scared that the bus I'm on might be blown up or something would happen to me do to a terrorist attack.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker? When being surrounded by war is normal people begin to think that violence is the way to solve a problem. This affects their ability to find a peacful situation because they were never taught to look for one they have been taught that the only way to get your poin across is to use your fists or your gun or something else. I wouldnt call myself a peace maker so I dont think that 9/11 has influenced me to become one.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized? Showing the children that they were a lot a like in many ways helped weaken the barriers for instance having the twins and fraja meet helped them a lot. The thing that is happening was that those three kids were seeing that dispite the fact that they really hated the other race and that their views on things are completely opposite that they were still just kids and had a lot in common.I'm sure that trying to bring the community together and having them reach their common ground would help dissolve barriers.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses? Since Sept.11th people in the United States have been humanized and the Arab people have been demonized. these portrayals influence us to strongly dislike these people because the media only has negative things to say and since we only get one side of the story we dislike the people we feel attacked us. Even though it wasnt every Arab is was only one group.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with? My daily delemas have no comparison to the ones the kids have in the film. I worry about my grades hoping i get the credits i need to graduate, what college im going to go to, What my major will be and what career im going to have. Thes kids have to worry about if they will live another day.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

jveloso8 · Member

mre wrote:

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists? Hearing your opinion on things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear because they have their own opinions. If there was to be a list of things that were hard to hear, different opinions, outlooks, instances, and relations would be on it.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?
When the children got together and got along seemed to typify childhood. They played together aside from their differences.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?
When 9/11 first happened plenty of things went through my head like those instances. Other than that, you never really know what is going to happen to you day after day.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?
When being surrounded by war is normal to people that just means they are used to that living. They start to expect the worst and put down peace. Sept. 11 hasn't really influenced my ability to be a peace-maker. It had nothing to do with me and I already know how to create peace.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
People of Iraq have been demonized by the media and the government. These portrayals don't influence my opinions about appropriate responses. I am old enough to know the media doesn't always express the truth.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?
Knowing that people may be responsible for putting my life on the line makes me upset but there is nothing i can do about it.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?
The two locations are pretty much the same; dirt roads, buildings, old fashioned cars, bikes, and kids running around.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?
My religion teaches peace on earth. Everyone should get along and be happy together.

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

I would allow my children to participate in such a visit. It is an opportunity to set peace. I would go along just because it has been the same for many years and it is time for a change and for everyone to get along. Just breaking the wall between fears would help.

jaddyyma · Member

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?

Our disagreements, the children learn whats around them and whtas taught to them it really isnt their fault.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?

Yes,i think that happens everywhere children do whats told. their minds are young.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?

Not really just knowing that this war is going on now. and anything can happen with all the men and women placed their it's a scary thought!

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?

Well im not living a bad life a busy one but not bad. ant things are difficult right now in the ecnonmy, and this war doesnt help out the economy either,

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?

the past, wand what the children see,you dislike and want to destroy.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?

Critiscm had been done so much towards George W. Bush. and when you see it getting done you feel to some of it too. Unless you stand strong behind your opinion.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?

Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?

Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

Yes i would let my children visit it's a once in a lifetime experince. We can work better with the chilfren and help then when it's needed.

-- Edited by jaddyyma at 10:28, 2008-10-02

devoncarter · Member

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why? I think how the small children are saying they want to kill a different race or hit them when they walk by, and how they know so much about hating another race just from the people around them.

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists? someone who disagrees has there right to their own opinion. Some things they could disagree would be polotics, race, culture, and religion.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges? I think when the kids from different backgrounds were capable of playing together, and being together for a whole day. They set aside there differences to get to know one another.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? No i have never had to contemplate things like that, but i know that those types of things being on my mind at such a young age isnt a positive impact on my life.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker? Those people grow up with violent thougts, and continue that life for themselves as well as generations after. Its almost impossible to find peaceful solutions living in that type of environment. September 11th didnt really affect me personally, but i saw the people around me be hurt and i didnt like it. Its hard for me to forgive anyone who would kill all those innocent people.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized? when the kids realize that they are all alike in some type of way, they all eat breathe play and there all humans. they realize not everyone is guilty of those crimes. starting organizations can help break barriers in communities. Hate when the targets are human can turn into violence and even death.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?

iraqis and arabs were targeted by the media, and ill admit i can sometimes find myself falling into this catrgory of stereotyping.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

attachments to land comes from our ancestors that have occupied the same land for years and years. we value it because we know the struggle our families went through to get or keep it.. i may risk my belongings for my house. yes, i would risk more to save my church than a mall. yes, i would risk more to save my home than an absurd game stadium.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?

Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?

Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

IndiaRussell09 · Member

mre wrote:

Below are questions to answer. For more information on the video and resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?
This hardest things to hear are the promises given that you are hopeful of but you know will not come happen.

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?
The hardest things to hear during conflict between peple of different opinions is that you are wrong. To have the feeling that what you stand for is not correct. This can effect both sides because it could just as likely happen to the other party.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?
The day to day activities participated and the similar concerns shows us that although seperated by a sea and by beliefes these children are still normal children with similar wants for their lives.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?
I have no experienced any of these things. Hnestly the thought of all of this is frightening. if i were ever put in that situation i think that i would not beable to deal with it coming from the place im from.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?
The effects of war on the people in these communities make people hate more. This is a huge set back for the pursuit of peace.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?
When the target of hate is humanized people begin to understand eachother. When people are veiwed as peopel rather than enimies peace can be made.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
The middleeast as a whole has been demonized. Through the media terrorism has become a joke, and people are now racially profiling against these groups.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?
When people inhabit a place for a long period, or if the place has a religious significance peopl becom territorial.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?
Following september 11th many people have developed a fear of the peopel from these countires. i honestly can say that it also has had an affect on me, being a traveler, at times these things cross your mind.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?
They have completely different cultures within a short distance from eachother. that is a major difference because it effects them all around, religiously, their beliefs, their customs.etc

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?
At the end of the film before they show them 2 years later, some of them were willing to make peace but change their decisions 2 years later because of their enviroments.

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?
On a daily basis i am focusing on my future and choose not to think of things that hold me back like wrong association and doing wrong.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?
Although their religions promote peace they are not displayiong it in defense of their religion. I personally think that these people should take their religious readings more literally.

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?
They hate due t religious differences and location of inhabitance.

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?
Just like any other child the beliefs of their elders makes them who they are. These things they say are a reflection of what they are surrounded by.

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?
Yes i would because by befriending that group they are another generation making a difference.

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 10-6-08

abrun · Member

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges? yes there were moments that i felt unity.when the islamic and palistanie boys talked on the phone because of b.z.they talked of things they do and foods they like...they werent fighting,they were smiling,laughing.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? living in america,i have never had these thoughts,but my heart goes out to they people who need to think like this everyday.i dont think i could bear the fact that i might be getting on a bus that could explode or that somebodys father that i know could have shot my father.it is truly unfortunate.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker? when you are surrounded by war,bloodshed is an everyday occurance.the person being expose could very well one day become a killer him/herself.when people use violence to solve issues everyday,there is no chance for peace,it is not an option.its easier to kill somebody than to put in some effort and try to make a possative change.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized? the barriers were weakened between the boys because they were talking about the ongoing issues instead of arguing and blaming the other party.we could dissolve some of the barriers in our country if we had possative(maybe secured and monitored)debates and discussions(it couls also double as a social gathering with snacks and drinks)to talk about the issues we find in our own communities.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
since the attacks of 9/11,the media has demonized middle easterns.i am not affected by the portrayals of the media(i can think on my own)so i think of anyone else as a regular person until;l i am proven wrong.i could see how people are affected by pertrayed views of the media and now a fair amount of americans think anyone from the middle east or anyone who looks like they are from afghanastan are lookwed at as terrorists

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?
first of all,my house is more imporatant to me than church ,sport stadiums,and the mall but i dont think i would be willing to risk me and my family`s lives for our land.i think documented hiostorical events gives us the right to our land.i dont believe anyone is allowed to say otherwise due to religion or family ties.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)? i do acknowledge that events such as september 11th can affect ones opinion but that is just a person who hijacked a plane...im a person,i can hijack a plane...or i can be willing to fight for my life on a hijacked plane.i dont like the idea of someone PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER but then again...in that scenerio,my opinion doesnt matter!

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others?if i saw someone getting killed in front of me or thier life was endangered,my life would probably in danger too,therefore i would have compassin for that person/people because thier in the same situation i am. Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko -this kid knows what hes talking about.smart,
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj -that made me feel... i dont know how faraj being such a young kid could have those thoughts
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe - at least he didnt want to kill them
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe - scratch my above reply to that question
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud - too much to not be related to hittler
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj - most reasonable excuse/reason to kill someone
In war both sides suffer.-smart Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel -if we fight for nothing,no one wins
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj -unfortunately its true,you are condemed by religion,you could be killed at anytime for nothing

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?

Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?

Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

-- Edited by abrun at 03:27, 2008-10-09

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 10-10-08

claydir · Member

unfinished

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?
that rural and urban neighborhoods has just about the same violence
wars are everywhere from little kids to grown up

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? no i havent but every time i walk in my neighborhood i wonder how safe am i will i get shot will somebody who i love get killed by a drive by

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?
if people think its normal to be surrounde by wars then they would most likly be violent themselfs. if you constantly live with conflict its goint to affect your behavior and you goint to live with conflict
9-11 madew a lot of people angry

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 10-14-08

patriciaaaaxo · Veteran Member

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Knowing that when the little girl writes to her dad and sometimes he never recieves the letter hurts me the most. Because family is the most important and i can picture not talking to my own father.

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?
What i just mentioned because to mostly everyone family comes before anything.
Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?

We can think of the smart ways out the experience and learn from it and help it make us live on better.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?

Yes , I have and just me thinking about it almost brings tears , I cant imagine of it feels if it actually ever happened to me.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?

I wonder if their use to that life because in my case it would take much time adjusting. September 11 changed my perspective on how i see life , although i was young i still felt the pain for everyone else. I thought it would never happen to the country i lived in but i guess little did i know.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?

When the target of hate becomes humanized, it just becomes pathetic and changes to a high extreme of ignorance. There are a few ways to dissolve barriers in my community, which is to just worry about yourself and what is going on in your life.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?

Everyone has been humanized, even if someone close to them wasn't killed. When people get hurt in anyway the whole nation feels the pain also, They influence my opinions because now i am more aware of what i say to others and how i approach people because no one knows when someone can be gone. It can be years, days, minutes or even seconds.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?
I would risk saving my home or church because i feel for others but i'd rather save lives for the ones i love which is family.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?

It makes me feel good , because i become the hero and i die knowing i did something good and helped keep someone else living.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives?
It's different because they have different rules and other live in refugee camps while others have their own houses.

claydir · Member

claydir wrote:

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?
that rural and urban neighborhoods has just about the same violence
wars are everywhere from little kids to grown up

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home? no i havent but every time i walk in my neighborhood i wonder how safe am i will i get shot will somebody who i love get killed by a drive by

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?
if people think its normal to be surrounde by wars then they would most likly be violent themselfs. if you constantly live with conflict its goint to affect your behavior and you goint to live with conflict
9-11 made a lot of people angry

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?
parents shouldent let kids play outside with unknow people they should have more family time and help them shape their tomorow

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
muslims defenitly have been demonized they dont get treated with the same respect in the airports anymore

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?
the u.s lands was first coqured by the native americans
i would risk more to save my house because i cannot sleep in the stadium dugout and to be in your house you will have more memerable time with your family

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?
my opinion on the is that it was tragic but in regards to the war i am neutral
the hijackers high realy high beliefs in their rekigion to commit suicude thinking they'll go to heaven if they do

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?
because of whats going on around their families and freinds they start to beleive that one another is enemies to to everybody else being so hatred against one another

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does? fear makes you do things you dont reaky want to do. not realy do to them being feared by their own kind the would rather put peace aside

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with? how inocent people dy in daily basics do to gang violence

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible? my religion teaches that he who keeps with himself and others will live a peaceful life

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances? the religion plays a great role in palestinian -israely they go by what their religiontell them what to do

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:
The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj
If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?
Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?
i would arange meetings with elite leaders and let them talk their differnces and see if they can come to a ending on the killing
The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?
no i would rather no let my kids go untill they are fully ready to understand

-- Edited by mre at 14:44, 2008-09-25

svizzy09 · Member

Below
are questions to answer. For more information on the video and
resources that can help you get more background information, go to: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/promises/index.html

Because PROMISES includes
expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as
well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely
to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about
whichthings are hard to hear and why?

Which
things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and
why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to
hear, which things might be on both lists?
some things that might be hard for someone who disagrees with me to hear would be my views and thought about certain things like family, religon, activites and things of that sort. it would be hard because everyone has different views of things and they wouldnt want to hear different from what they were told. i think those topics and more would be on our lists.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?
yes like the kids talking on the phone laughing and not fighting because of their backgrounds.

Did
you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus
Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the
army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father
ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave
this place or return to my familys home?
i havent had to contemplate with these type of things luckily for me and i hope i will never have to.

What
happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What
impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find
peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your
ability to be a peace-maker?
they become used to dealing with war and it probly isnt a big deal to them as it is to us. they cant find peacful solutions because they are taught to hate people from a certain area or they were brought up with it. since 9/11 i really dont like it when people fight so sometimes ill tell people to drop it and that its not worth it because there are bigger things going on instead of arguing over a stupid situation that might have happened for thier cause to fight.

There are moments in PROMISES when
the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things
are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments
possible? Are
there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own
community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is
humanized?
there was a person that brought these kids together and he went through it when he was there age and saw all the things they see and he knows it isnt rite. i dont think there is any way of facilitating barriers in my community.

Since
the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been
demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals
influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
people from the middle east have been demonized a lot by the media and somewhat by the government. my opinion is that we shouldnt be making fun of these people or calling them terrorists when they didnt do anything we should only be calling the people who actually did something terrorists.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What
would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the
amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save
your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would
you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or
why not?
i think its mostly family ties because where you are rite now was where your ancestors decided to come when they left there country and we value it because you feel like your family has been in that certain place forever and like its yours. i would risk a couple things. my one and only factor is that my family has been here for a very long time and i shouldnt give it up. no i wouldnt because malls arent that important. i would risk more on my home because i live there not a sports stadium.

How
have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your
ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to
acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk
whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or
a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?
i would fight for anything i believe in. i dont think its rite we should have the choice about going to the armed forces and about the hijacker we should fight back and not them take over that plane.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate
worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the
Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce
different perspectives (
e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of
harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an
appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional
provocation)?
theres really nothing different besides the beliefs, the area looks the same on both sides. the same would be that they hate each other.

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over
the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the
film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko
says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is
he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering
of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects
for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict
the way that Yarko does?
the different opinions we have about other people. at first they hated each other but once they got to know each other they liked one another. they wonder how its gunna be in the future. yes he is because if people know that he wants peace there gunna pick on him and he wont be able to live a normal life after that. maybe it will catch the attention of more people and peace will happen in that area. yes because maybe he doesnt want peace or doesnt care about it.

The
three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam,
and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does
your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected
in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If
not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?
that all people should get along. not really because one tradition is telling the people that the land is theirs and no one elses. in a way yes but there are different traditions in my community so not everyones is the same.

How
is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate?
As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does
the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or
about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between
fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist
beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of
fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those
circumstances?
it is used to further hate basically. yes there is a difference religion is taught and the other is not.

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We
have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the
soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I
support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do
it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be.
Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So
we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who
have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?
Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why
do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their
differences while others are not even interested in participating in a
conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that
teach or reinforce hate?

it comes from the elders because they taught the kids to be like that. they are the ones who want peace. fights between different ethnicities.

Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?
throw a big block party so everyone can come together and have a good time.

The
twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a
refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome
Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would
you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you
yes i would because it would be just a small step to stopping the hatred and one day hopefully have peace between the israelis and palestinians.

mre · Senior Member

Grade Updated 10-30-08

edalton76 · Veteran Member

Because PROMISES includes expressions of anger, sadness, frustration, and religious dogmatism, as well as descriptions of discrimination and violence, viewers are likely to encounter things they find uncomfortable. As you watch, think about which things are hard to hear and why?
-          I think that because we saw both sides of theory it was hard for me to identify with a specific group or side because I was sympathetic to both of them. I didnt know which side to agree with, and so when they would talk badly about the other culture it was hard to think of them in that light.

Which things might be hard for someone who disagrees with you to hear and why? If you and your opponent each listed the things that were hard to hear, which things might be on both lists?
-          It might be hard to hear that someone you are close to or know was a part of the problem. This could hold true for either question.

Were there moments that felt universal or points which seemed to typify childhood? How can we use common experiences to build bridges?
-          Nearly all of the children in the movie were shown doing things that they love. Like the twins playing volleyball or Faraj running races. One of the reasons that the twins and Faraj became friends was because they played the same games and were all interested in sports.

Did you ever have to contemplate things like: Will someone blow up the bus Im about to get on? What will it be like when I have to go into the army? Will they ever let my father out of prison? Has my friends father ever shot at me or someone I love? Will I ever be permitted to leave this place or return to my familys home?
-          I have never had to think about any of these things in my life. I am very grateful to live in a place that protects my safety.

What happens to people when normal means being surrounded by war? What impact does living with daily conflict have on peoples ability to find peaceful solutions? How have the events of September 11 influenced your ability to be a peace-maker?
-          I think that constantly being surrounded by war leads to a constant feeling of uncertainty. They never know whats going to happen to them or if whats going on around them might become a direct factor in their life and they always have to be on guard. That makes it difficult for them to be able to have a peaceful relationship with nearly anyone they encounter. Right after September 11^th, for example people made quick judgments on those people who resembled terrorists and it made it very hard for anyone to remain peaceful.

There are moments in PROMISES when the barriers between the children seem to weaken. What specific things are happening at these moments or have happened to make these moments possible? Are there ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in your own community? What happens to hate when the target of that hate is humanized?
-          I think when the children began to realize that they had similar interests they started to no longer think of each other as the enemy. I think that in many ways this is possible in communities everywhere but I dont think that a majority of the people involved would be ready to accept others that readily.

Since the events of September 11, who has been humanized and who has been demonized by the media or the government? How do these portrayals influence your opinions about appropriate responses?
-          In the time following September 11^th people who looked as if they were middle-eastern were very much demonized by the media. Even those people who are American citizens and have lived here all of their lives were discriminated against. Also those who were doing the discriminating were looked upon as good. The media also humanized the government and made it look very well because we were taking direct action against the terrorists and any of the information to the contrary was suppressed.

Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?
-          I think that in America its a little different. People move all of the time and I dont think that they have the same connection to their property as some people in other countries do. As far as religious buildings go it does change a bit, and people are a little more apt to stand up for that building. However I dont think people would be willing to risk very much for the sake of some property.

How have the events of September 11 influenced your opinion of risk or your ideas about what you would be willing to fight for? How does it feel to acknowledge the possibility that others can choose to put you at risk whether or not you agree (e.g., a hijacker commandeering your plane or a government compelling you to serve in the armed forces)?
-          I dont think that my opinion changed after 9/11. I was 9 years old when it happened and I dont think I had yet formed an opinion about what kinds of things I would fight for. I understand that things can change quickly and that is always a risk that everyone faces.

All the children in the film live within twenty minutes of one another but they are growing up in separate worlds. Whats different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live? Whats the same? How do the differences produce different perspectives ( e.g., is a checkpoint a reasonable security measure or is it a form of harassment and discrimination; is the parade through Jerusalem an appropriate celebration of a landmark event or an intentional provocation)?
-          I think that many of the communities in which they live in are similar. The only major difference I could see was the fact that Palestinians were not allowed to go into Jerusalem even for worship. I did feel that this was an act of discrimination because Israelis were allowed to come and go as they please. However I also agree that the Palestinian march through Jerusalem was to provoke them.

What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others? Over the course of the film, how do the children change? At the end of the film, what are each childs concerns and why do they differ? Yarko says he really wants peace, but he doesnt think about it day-to-day. Is he justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him? How does this kind of thinking affect prospects for peace? Do you think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does?
-          For a while the children realize that although they dont agree with the views of the other side, they could still be friendly with one another. At the end their views seem to revert back to how they had felt at the beginning of the video. The conflict going on around them is evident in their daily lives and although some can avoid thinking about it for others it is an ongoing battle that they cant avoid.

Why or why not? What kinds of issues do you think about on a daily basis and what do you choose not to see or not to deal with?
-          I think that everyone deals with different issues at different times and if we spend all of our time worrying about or dealing with the same issues we wont ever get anywhere.

The three religious traditions associated with this region (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) all have sacred texts that value peace. What does your religious tradition teach about peace? Is that tradition reflected in this conflict? Is it reflected in your own community? If so, how? If not, how might you make your traditions pursuit of peace more visible?
-          I think that every religion is going to advocate peace and acceptance and it is up to that religions followers to listen and follow that message or to go against it.

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?
-          I think that religion and cultural differences are the main reasons as to why there is conflict in that region. Everyone thinks that their religion or culture is the right one and that everyone else is bad because what they believe is wrong. Most religions teach their followers that their specific religion is the best one. So I think religion is an important tool that they use.

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If you could say one thing to the speaker, what would it be?Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?
- I think these children are a product of their environment. They grow up surrounded by hatred for the other group, and that plays a major role in how they feel about those people. I think that as they realize they have more in common with the others they are more willing to set aside their differences and be friends.

The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?
- I dont think that I could make a decision like that today. I couldnt explain how I would feel if I was in that situation so I feel like I dont really know what I would do.

-- Edited by edalton76 at 15:11, 2008-10-30

acevedo123 · Member

Things that are hard to hear are the things that affect you everyday. Like if people think two different ways about family or friends that would be difficult to hear. Also things such as religion, education, and where or how you were brought up as a child might be on both lists.

First words, perhaps playing a sport or doing other group activities and first day of school are universal amongst most children. Bridges can be built by having different children connect with each other during sporting events or bring two classes from different areas together to learn about the other's differences.

Luckily for me, I have never had to think about such questions as these. I feel people take things for granted everyday, and we should be thankful if we never have to worry about these things.

Being surrounded by tough situations deffinately affects the way you live and look at the world around. Trust becomes an issue, and it is almost like you are living day by day just trying to survive. September 11 has changed my ability to be peace-maker because it seems I am often paranoid and try to avoid bad situations.

The children sit down and talk, eat, and play soccer together. I think things people have in common help break barriers amongst people. I think instead of hating people for what they have or what they don't have, you should look at the things you have in common and share them.

American soldiers and officials have been humanized and anyone who looks of Middle Eastern decent is automatically looked down upon since 9-11. When you hear about how bad the media and government makes these people sound it turns American citizens against them, and instead of accepting them we turn the other way.

I think people cherish there homes and land because it wasn't just there for them. They had to work hard to achieve the position they are in. Churches or other buildings and land that was there before is almost given to people so they don't appreciate it as much if they had to earn it.

I think the September 11 attacks have affected every single person in America because you have to think twice before getting onto an airplane. The fact that you could die any moment because of somebody else's hatred toward you or your country scares people.

The Israelis and Palestinians both have a strong religious background and believe highly in religion. However, the groups have different cultural backgrounds and cannot get over something that happened ages ago. I think the checkpoints act as discrimination, almost as if to say "get out, you don't belong here."

All the children had their opinions on the others based on what their culture thinks about those groups of people. However, when the children finally met each other it seemed their opinions changed. They wanted to become friends but feared they would get in trouble or more problems would develop from their friendships.

I am not a religious person so my religious traditions dont teach me anything about peace.

How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp.Sanabel
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it!Moishe
I think this is our country and its also theirs.Yarko
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful.Mahmoud
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him.Faraj
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away.Moishe
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab!Moishe
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone.Mahmoud
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other!Faraj
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but whats a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose.Daniel
The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams.Faraj

If I could tell the speaker one thing it would be to get to know who they're talking about before they speak. Hatred, in this case, is built up generation to generation by family members. Some children are willing to put aside their differences because they have other things to worry about rather than hating this group or that group. Community events like sports activities or cookouts, a get-together once and while will facilitate people getting to know each other and will help to settle hatred between people.

Trusting the situation, and knowledge that the visit will benefit your child will make the decision easier to let your child participate. I think building trust and not worrying to much would help preventing fear of connecting to others. Sometimes you have to let your guard down, because you can learn something and it will help you in the long run.