I thought the documentary Slingshot Hip-Hop was very powerful. I always knew there was a war in Israel but never understood the main reason why the people were fighting. The story of DAM impacted me because they expressed the hurt and pain that has been caused of the war. Sometimes in war, you never really think about the civilians that are going to be affected from all the violence. I really had empathy for the civilians especially the man who was so upset that an olive tree was destroyed. It was really hard seeing the pain on his face as he reminisced about memories of how that tree was a source of food. Who knew the littlest thing can mean so much too people.
The one thing I really like about the DAM group is how they are able to spread positive messages though their rap. I also like how they were able to let Abeer join them since it is not common for a woman to do in Israel. I thought that Abeer had a lot of courage to stand up for herself and not let anybody take advantage of her The group DAM and Abeer have a lot of humility for starting up a community club that takes kids off the dangerous streets. They are great role models who want to change the norm about war. I think the US covers up so many events that happen in Iraq and Afghanistan, so that we would be more supportive towards the war. I know that there are many civilians in these countries suffering like the Palestinians. I feel that Americans are set to believe that war solves all our problems. I think it makes our problems worse because violence does not necessarily solve anything.
http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/interview/afghanistan-interview-250909.htm
This article talks about the civilians of the Afghanistan war are affected. Many of them have lost their homes and do not have good healthcare. There are many crossfires and shootings that make it hard for civilians to leave or to get the basic necessities.
I was a bit surprised that Hip Hop was also popular in Palestine. And it gave me the clue that people all over the world could share the culture even though they are rooted from different culture or society. Those rappers could give important messages to children that everyone has equal right to share the good stuffs. Although there are many problems resisting in Palestine, it was rather inspiring to me.