Video Discription |
One of my biggest criticisms of the contemporary world is that humans lack compassion and I observe a correlation between democratic backsliding and the rise of right-wing populism that the world is experiencing, and the decline in compassion that the average human has for other humans. With such a central focus on power and money, love for each other as humans have become forgotten or deemed not important, and a lot of this is rooted in education or lack thereof. More specifically, it is rooted in a lack of exposure. Without exposure to different concepts, ideas, and people, we, as a global society, cannot expect to reach a peaceful state. Ultimately, people may continue to disagree, but they can do so without ignorance, therefore, in a respectful manner. With the hope and intention of pursuing my master’s degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights in the Netherlands at Utrecht University, I would like to do a project that can be extended or expanded up post-commencement of this program. The main source of population growth in the Netherlands Is immigration, with a considerable percentage having a migrant background. The three largest immigrant populations in the Netherlands – prior to the Russo-Ukrainian war – were Turkish, Moroccan, and Surinamese, none of which are Western or promote Western ideologies. Consequently, I would like to create a media campaign that tackles the social issue of racism and discrimination by addressing the lack of separation of church and state. Geert Wilders, among several other politicians, has displayed blatant islamophobia in his position as leader of the Party for Freedom in the House of Representatives and as a member of the parliament, who has held a seat since 1998. The media campaign would include several forms of social media, namely Instagram and Facebook, to publish material that displays the lived experience of immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees alike under the Dutch regime. These stories will be complemented by hard facts and data regarding immigrants’ lived experiences, as well as the policies that impact it. The project will conclude with a comprehensive video illustrating the current conditions and addressing the changes that need to be made – both politically and socially. I would work with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the Netherlands to access up-to-date data and utilize the resources that the university can provide me, such as film equipment. Further, the university gives me access to peers pursuing careers that will aid me in the completion of my project. I also personally know someone associated with a political party in the Netherlands, who has experience creating campaign media and can provide mentorship and resources through this process. Hopefully, addressing these issues by humanizing the subject, and subjects, will rekindle compassion in people. |