Davies Forum Workshop

Let me begin by saying that the Davies Forum has provided a wide range of wonderful learning experiences. Having said that, it makes my designation of the Davies Forum Workshop as the best opportunity thus far all the more significant. In addition to our class, the Davies Forum workshop included Sarai Aharoni, Caron Gentry, Swati Parashar, and Elina Penttinen as facilitators. I thought that this wide range of individuals was incredible. Much of the reading that we have done thus far has seemed to agree harmoniously. At the workshop, all of the facilitators appreciated and respected the work of the others, but was also willing to offer different opinions and perspectives. I saw this most of all in the dynamic between Elina Penntinen, who is from Finland and focuses on experiences of joy, and Swati Parashar, who, originally from India, focuses on variations on the access to violence.

The workshop began with introductions and an explanation of what has led us to being interested in women, war, and violence. We quickly delved into discussions regarding privilege, positionality, and authenticity. Although I still struggle with these myself, I think it is important to remember that there is a continuum of violence, and so even if we aren’t “in the war zone,” we still have experience with war and violence. Secondly, there is something to be said for shared humanity. To a certain degree, people all over the world experience emotions like grief, joy, fear, and pride. Lastly, there is something to be said for being an ally, no matter what privilege you have.

The second half of the workshop began with an activity that forced us to meditate before drawing depictions of violence and well-being. I found it interesting how many of us included a wide variety of types of violence. For example, there were scenes of violence done unto one’s self, domestic violence, and the typical war combatant violence. Other important notes included the importance of time to reflect and the importance of community. Finally, we returned to discussions about emotions, and whether one type or another is more important to studying International Relations, which lead to a bit of an argument about the potential for transformation and resilience. Ultimately, I’d have to play PC and say, “Its all important!”

I learned a lot at the Davies Workshop and felt that being invited to the table was empowering. A lot of our reading was reflected in the discussion we had and I was glad to see that a difference of opinions didn’t have to lead to a silencing of opinions.

-Laur