Response to Readings 8

After reading chapters 7 and 9 I cannot help myself from seeing the parallels of the Palestinians with that of Africans of South Africa. Suad Amiry conveyed a sense of second class citizenship that was experienced in a lighter form by the Africans of South Africa. Both governments in power implemented policies used to stifle and control the minority population. This parallel can be drawn from the imposed curfews and check points which were used to constrict the maneuverability of the minority populations and allowing the governments to have the ability to always have a constant eye on their activity. Home invasions too were also common place for Palestinians and Africans as a way to curb any terrorists and terror attacks. In the reading the most perturbing thing that both oppressed party's share is this tragic injustice and blatant discrimination. This is highlighted in the reading as Palestinians were not given gas masks as they had been promised to protect themselves from the threats of the War and how the dog was able to gain an ID for Jerusalem but it was almost impossible for a Palenstian to gain one. I find that the difference between these two is the severity of oppression experienced by the African population. "Jerusalem: Not the Mother of all Cities." compares the city to a woman which I feel is an accurate depiction of the dilemmas in the city as women are often the objects of conflict...(hmm Helena of Troy)...as is the city.