Senior presenters reveal global complexities: Exploring cultural dynamics and justice

While global interconnectedness reveals diverse forms of culture, we tend to forget the myriad, unhidden systemic dynamics that could undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the world. The senior presentations from International Comparative Studies students embarked on a mission to better understand the world through their research. The panel on Conflict Zones in particular intrigued me because it provided a lens to think about different topics that we wouldn’t normally care about. They showed it mattered so I could show you it mattered Real matters.

The exploration of language ideologies in Mauritius, the complex yet fascinating web of transitional justice, the controversial aspects of medical missions in global health, and the intersection between superficiality and urban dynamics in Los Angeles were all embodiments of understanding the invisible world at play .

Language and identity in Mauritius

Katy Turner’s research into the Mauritian education system sheds light on the complex interplay between language and colonial history. Although one could argue that colonialism is a story of the past, Turner’s research proved otherwise. In Mauritius, where the creole language – formed by enslaved individuals and now a native language – faces social resistance, the emphasis in education remains on English and French. Turner’s research raises critical questions: how do Mauritian primary school teachers view the role of Mauritian Creole, especially given its controversial status? How has the colonial past shaped these perceptions?

The findings reveal a conflicting landscape. While some see Mauritian Creole as a relic of the past and advocate for a future aligned with English, others see it as essential to a holistic educational experience. Its informal use in the classroom helps students connect with their history, and according to her observation, students did not mind its use over English and French, but their parents did. They preferred English and French to their own local language. This put me in a daze. After all, being born and raised in Pakistan, this wasn’t a surprise. English is the language of the rich and Urdu is the language of the poor. These countries’ complex language preferences highlight how colonized some developing countries remain to this day. In Mauritius, the stories of slaves, parents and education policies often discourage this practice. This ‘hidden curriculum’ suggests a deep-seated struggle with identity and linguistic heritage, and points to a broader dialogue about language as a carrier of culture and history. We currently have to fight this colonial hangover to connect with what our culture really means.

The anti-politics of memory in transitional justice

Grace delves into the ‘anti-politics’ of memory and explores how transitional justice often turns into a universal narrative that can overlook local truths. Her focus at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) highlights the challenges of defining justice in diverse contexts – ranging from criminal justice to truth commissions. The extensive work of the ICTJ, reflected in their archival collections spanning decades. She spent days in the library searching through the archives, going to great lengths (such as analyzing the order in which they were located) to demonstrate their global influence, but also uncovering tensions, such as in Iraq, where document manipulation was used to influence election results.

This research is inspired by James Ferguson’s analysis in “The Anti-Politics Machine”. It suggested that transitional justice can sometimes strip away the political layers essential to understanding and addressing the root causes of injustice.

Reassessing medical missions through a decolonial lens

Catherine Purnell’s examination of medical missions driven by evangelical Christian beliefs raises questions about the possibility of decolonizing global health care. The narrative that divides the world into those who help and those who need help is deeply ingrained in the ethos of many medical missions. Purnell’s interviews with medical missionaries reveal an underlying intention to provide care in remote areas, which often includes building schools and water systems in addition to health care.

The real challenge, however, lies in shifting these missions from a model of evangelical humanitarianism to a model of true decolonization. According to her, true decolonized care would prioritize returning autonomy to local communities and focus on solidarity rather than charity. Purnell’s findings suggest a fundamental conflict between the traditional goals of medical missions and the emerging needs of decolonial, equitable health care practices.

The multicultural dynamics of urban spaces

Jess’s exploration of the complex stories of multiculturalism in Los Angeles provides a fascinating lens through which to view urban dynamics and identity. Beginning with the historic intersections in neighborhoods like Little Tokyo/Bronzeville, Jess explores the fluid and often contentious shifts in community compositions and their cultural implications. Bronzeville was originally a Japanese neighborhood, but became predominantly African American during World War II when Japanese residents were interned. Such shifts underscore the transience and adaptability of urban ethnic landscapes.

Additionally, Jess connects these historical and cultural stories to broader literary works such as ‘Tropic of Orange’ and Octavia Butler’s ‘Parable of the Sower’. These works critique the superficiality of multiculturalism and suggest a more interconnected and deeply woven fabric of society that transcends the simplistic understanding of diversity. Jess uses these stories to highlight a poignant metaphor: just as the characters in Butler’s work envision a destiny among the stars, our own societal evolution could be seen as an ongoing journey toward a more truly integrated multiculturalism.

Conclusion

Together, these presentations highlighted the complexities of cultural identity, memory politics, and health equity in a globalized world. They challenge us to think critically about how languages ​​shape national identity, how legal processes can reflect deeper truths without falling into the pitfalls of depoliticization, and how global health initiatives can actually respect and uplift the communities they seek to serve. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, these discussions are critical to advancing a more just and equal global society.