Political Graffiti on the West Bank Wall in Israel / Palestine

“This is an extremely important finding, based on careful research methodology, which should be widely disseminated. Further, the interviews allowed the representative groups of young students to express their personal responses to the graffiti in a structured and meaningful framework. Thus, through his study, the author is giving voice to the silenced both by publicizing the graffiti and by including otherwise marginalized voices.”
Prof. Elizabeth G. Burr,
Metropolitan State University

“When there is so much media attention given to violence in this area of the world, this focus on non-violent protest brings a welcome perspective. In addition, it illustrates the probable contributions of a wider (international) community to the perceived injustice of the wall.”
Prof. Pamela Nice,
University of New England

“The author’s work was not without danger: his guide had to warn him more than once about land mines and trigger-happy border guards. He is to be commended for taking the risks to gather this important information for us.”
Prof. David Whitten Smith,
University of St. Thomas

Abstract
Commendatory Foreword-Dr. David Smith
Preface-Dr. Liza Burr
Chapter 1-Introduction
The Wall
Graffiti as a Nonviolent Response to the Wall
Purpose of the Study
Thesis: Expected Dichotomy of Thought Created by Divisive Structure
Chapter 2- Literature Review
Introduction-Street Art and Political Graffiti
Street Art
Visual and Social Transformations: Fluid Messages and Ambiguous Aesthetics in Street Art
Giving Voice to the Silenced Through Active Resistance
Anonymous Product and Invisible Process in Grassroots Communication
National Identity and Sovereignty Politics
Conclusion: Historical Context Applied to the Political Graffiti on the West Bank Wall
Chapter 3- Methodology
Photographic Archiving of Graffiti
Decoding of Graffiti Photographs
Bethlehem and Hebrew Universities Descriptions
Recruitment of Student Participants From Bethlehem and Hebrew Universities
Interview Process
Chapter 4-Political Graffiti
Introduction and Initial Impressions
Graphic and Stylistic Tools of Communication
Monster Theme with Restrictions of Movement and the Pictures of the Wall
Monster Related to the Right of Return
Monster: The West Bank Wall Itself as Graffiti
Monster as an Historical Reference
Methods of Social Transformation Seen in Graphic and Stylistic Tools of Communication
International Graffiti Movement and Identities Using English, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, French, and German
International Graffiti Movement and Identities Seen in Arabic Examples
International Graffiti Movement and Identities Seen In the International Support and Solidarity
International Graffiti Movement and Identities Seen with American Support or Condemnation
International Graffiti Movement and Identities Seen with Political Heroes and Villains
Natural Resource as seen with Land, Olive Trees, Water, “Land as People”
Natural Resources Seen with Olive Trees and Water
Equality Seen in Graphic Renderings of Peace, Love, Nonviolence, and Freedom
Equality in Messages of Peace and Love
Equality in the Graphic Renderings of Justice and Freedom
Resistance and Nonviolence
Change Concept with Violence and Revolution
Change and Nonviolence Concepts
Gender and Religion
Concluding Synthesis and Lessons Learned From Graffiti Messages
Chapter 5- Student Interviews
Introduction
Overall Impressions
The Wall
Graffiti Techniques and Symbolism
Definitions, Boundaries, and Identities
Solidarity and Identities
National Identities
Ownership and Boundaries, Imperialism and the Right of Return
Ownership and Boundaries, Claims of Ethnic Cleansing, Apartheid Comparisons, and Accusations of Fascism
Hope and Peace
Fear of the Present and Hope for the Future, and Proposed Solutions for Peace
Opinions Regarding World Leaders
Religion and Political Philosophies as Variables for Peace
Inhumane Suffering and Inappropriate Civilian Targeting
Ownership, and Boundaries, and Inhumanity
Fear of the Present, Hope for the Future, and Fear Terrorism
Communication, Education, and Compromise with Summative Questions
Lessons Learned From Student Interviews
Chapter 6-Conclusion and Future Research Possibilities
Significance and Meaning of Research
Power Imbalance and the Abuse of Natural Resources
Communication
Education
Compromise
Lessons Learned, Future Research Possibilities, and Possibilities for Peace Action Steps
Epilogue-Dr. Pam Nice
Reference
Appendices
Index