Ideas

Here are some of my thoughts so far on my topic in terms of inspiration for my practical or points to look into for my essay writing:

• Segregation is still a real issue in terms of education etc. We need to improve on this if young people are to grow up accepting those with different beliefs instead of creating hatred towards them.
• Should parading and events such as the Twelfth be as accepted/as common of an occurrence? Do these events just deepen the divide in our society?
• People in other parts of the UK need educating on the history and current state of Northern Ireland in order to help bring about positive change.
• People in Northern Ireland needs to acknowledge the things that have happened rather than bury their heads in the sand, in order to stop similar events arising again.
• They also needs to stop looking at which side was or is to blame. We all need to learn to accept some blame ourselves, and then move onwards and focus on bettering the community.
• The people of Northern Ireland are very resilient, which gives me hope towards the future. If everyone put their efforts towards creating a more positive mindset towards each other, we may actually create a more loving, creative space to live.
• Northern Ireland is a very narrow-minded place compared to other areas of the UK.
• I believe N.I.’s high suicide rating is due to a combination of exposure to conflict (aka the Troubles), and the after effects of it including how everyone behaves towards authority, each other and outsiders.
• I also believe if we don’t change socially, politically and culturally, we are putting ourselves at risk of another outbreak of violence, instead of progressing as a society.

I think a lot of these points could be discussed further in my essay, or used to create a positive message I can communicate through a zine, styling or photography.