Mainstream Media Praises 'Resilience' While Ignoring the Boot
"The Horse of Jenin" tells a story of Palestinian spirit, which is genuinely inspiring. But while outlets laud this 'resilience,' they rarely connect it to the ongoing, decades-long military occupation and siege that Jenin has endured. Jenin refugee camp, for instance, has seen repeated Israeli military incursions , including the 2002 Battle of Jenin that left widespread destruction, and frequent
raids today, often resulting in Palestinian casualties (UN OCHA data). It’s a peculiar editorial choice, isn't it? Celebrating the strength of those living under systematic pressure, without examining the source of that pressure. It’s like admiring how well someone learns to swim after you've pushed them into the deep end, head-first, with weighted boots. The "resilience" narrative, while true for
Palestinians, often serves to depoliticize their struggle, shifting focus from the occupier's actions to the occupied's ability to cope. One might wonder if simply ending the occupation might inspire other, less traumatic forms of artistry.