GraffitiBremen

For decades, international bodies and Western powers have paraded lofty ideals of human rights, justice, and accountability—concepts they insist are the bedrock of a global order. But these principles have shown themselves to be hollow, reserved only for those deemed worthy by the West, rarely applied to the oppressed. For Palestinians, these principles are a mirage, a weaponized hypocrisy that has served only to protect the powerful and keep them silent. The so-called “rules-based order” promoted by the West is little more than a charade designed to prop up Western interests and keep other nations in line. This system has been carefully crafted to give the appearance of equality, yet it is wielded selectively, rarely, if ever, offering protection or justice to those who challenge its creators. It’s painfully clear now that these institutions were never meant for the protection of all, only the few. The rule of law is a farce, a cynical pretense to ensure that those with influence are...

The use of language by Western media in reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals significant biases, shaping public perceptions in favor of Israel while dehumanizing Palestinians. A comprehensive analysis of major media outlets, such as The New York Times , The Washington Post , and The Los Angeles Times , illustrates how linguistic framing drastically differs when reporting on Israeli versus Palestinian deaths. A study by The Intercept shows that terms like “slaughter,” “massacre,” and “horrific” are frequently used to describe the deaths of Israelis, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, while the killings of Palestinians are often downplayed with passive language. This manipulation of language creates an implicit hierarchy of victimhood, where Israeli lives are deemed more tragic, and Palestinian deaths are diminished or cast into doubt by qualifiers such as “reportedly” or “according to Hamas.” A glaring example of this bias is the way media outlets...

A tribute mural dedicated to Palestinian journalists in Ilford, East London, has stirred both admiration and controversy. The artwork, painted in March by three artists from the collective Creative Debuts , honors four Palestinian reporters and photographers— Mohamed Al Masri , Ali Jadallah , Hind Khoudary , and Abdulhakim Abu Riash . The scene shows these journalists standing amidst the rubble in Gaza, a recreation of a photograph taken by Suhail Nassar . The mural, titled “Heroes of Palestine,” is seen by some as a powerful statement on the importance of journalism in conflict zones, especially during the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Alia Shaikh, the homeowner who commissioned the piece, expressed a deep sense of helplessness over the situation in Gaza. “I think it’s important for young children to have good role models,” she said. For her, the journalists are true heroes, risking their lives to ensure the world knows what is happening on the ground. “Without them, we’d have no idea wha...

A hypothetical video set in the year 2040 imagines a world commemorating the 16th anniversary of the horrific genocide that took place on October 7, 2023, where thousands of Palestinians were brutally killed in an atrocity that shocked the world. The video envisions a global day of remembrance, where nations unite in grief, solidarity, and reflection over a tragedy that changed the course of history. In this imagined future, commemorations are held across the globe, from major cities to small towns. Memorial events bring together people of all walks of life, who gather to honor the victims and reflect on the lessons the world must learn from this dark chapter. Vigils are held in public squares, where the names of those lost are recited, and candles illuminate the night in their memory. Museums and educational institutions hold exhibits and talks to recount the atrocities of 2023, ensuring the stories are preserved for future generations. A striking moment in the video shows young ch...

In alignment with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly’s call for greater international cooperation, the world-renowned American artist Shepard Fairey has created a thought-provoking mural in London . Known for his impactful works addressing social and environmental justice, Fairey’s latest creation aims to inspire conversation about climate change and environmental stewardship. His mural, titled “Rise Above Earth Justice,” stands as a visual call to action, reminding viewers of the urgent need for collective and individual responsibility in protecting the planet. Supported by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in London, under the guidance of Ambassador Jane Hartley, Fairey’s mural is part of a broader initiative to amplify climate awareness. The Ford Foundation’s commitment to artist-driven projects that engage communities in meaningful ways is evident in this collaboration. Fairey’s mural exemplifies how art can transcend borders, uniting people across c...

The phrase “Israel has the right to defend itself” is one we frequently encounter in political discourse, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This assertion is often voiced by governments, international organizations, and media outlets following instances of violence or military actions. The sentiment implies a natural and unquestionable right for a nation to protect its citizens and sovereignty, which, on the surface, is universally acceptable. However, there’s a glaring omission in these conversations: we rarely hear similar proclamations about the right of Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, or Yemenis to defend themselves. This raises critical questions about whose rights are being recognized and why others are being disregarded. Are these people not worthy of the same acknowledgment? The idea of “self-defense” in international relations is enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows countries to defend themselves if attacked. In th...

The phrase “Israel has the right to defend itself” is one we frequently encounter in political discourse, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This assertion is often voiced by governments, international organizations, and media outlets following instances of violence or military actions. The sentiment implies a natural and unquestionable right for a nation to protect its citizens and sovereignty, which, on the surface, is universally acceptable. However, there’s a glaring omission in these conversations: we rarely hear similar proclamations about the right of Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, or Yemenis to defend themselves. This raises critical questions about whose rights are being recognized and why others are being disregarded. Are these people not worthy of the same acknowledgment? The idea of “self-defense” in international relations is enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows countries to defend themselves if attacked. In th...

The Parees Festival , a renowned urban art event in Oviedo , Spain , has once again celebrated Asturian culture and heritage in its seventh edition. This year, three new murals have been added to the city’s streets, bringing the total number of works to 40. These murals, created by local, national, and international artists, highlight symbols deeply rooted in Asturias’ cultural identity—Faro pottery, the traditional clog known as the madreña, and the apple, a staple of the region’s agriculture. Organized by the Oviedo Municipal Foundation of Culture, the Parees Festival is more than just an exhibition of urban art. It stands as a tribute to Asturias’ rich history, encouraging an artistic dialogue between the community and the creators. This edition featured the artistic talents of María Peña (Mapecoo) and Marat ‘Morik’ Danilyan , whose works have brought traditional Asturian symbols to life. Eduard Crespo, the director of the festival, highlighted the significance of these murals, s...