Prof. Elizabeth Cole taught us three informative challenging sessions about reconciliation. It made me self-reflect on my own views and my ability to be part of reconciliation efforts. We analyzed and discussed the different cultural and religious approaches of reconciliation and my view fits into the “Peace is Justice” perspective. I can’t think about reaching peace without the people implicating harm and violence receive punishment or some sort of consequences for their behavior. In the mainstream Egyptian culture, reconciliation between individuals is seen as a very positive thing and a lot of people work on encouraging and supporting reconciliation between people. On the other hand, reconciliation with big oppressive systemic groups is seen as a negative thing. One of the most shared modern poems in Egypt now is titled “No Reconciliation”. It is written to express that the level of injustice and violence from the government and especially the police can’t just be forgiven or forgotten. The poem starts by saying:
….
No Reconciliation
Even if they give you gold
Look, when I pluck your eyes out
Then put diamonds in their place
Can you see?
They take things that can’t be bought:
Childhood memories with your sibling
….
The poem goes on to count many things are taken by the government’s violence that can’t return back no matter what. Things like family members, friends, lost organs (eyes are a theme because the police forces target them in demonstrations), and most importantly, hope in a bright future. This attitude makes it difficult to achieve reconciliation and peace without a form of justice that makes people feel they can stop the same actions from happening to them again.
