nrc.nl
Activist Burnout and the Fight for Human Rights
Two documentaries, "The System" and "Writing Hawa," explore activist burnout and the ongoing struggle for human rights in the Netherlands and Afghanistan respectively, highlighting the challenges faced by activists and the fragility of progress.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the themes explored in both documentaries?
- Both documentaries suggest that without sustained efforts, progress in human rights can be easily reversed. This points to the need for continuous activism, strategies for countering burnout, and global collaboration to support those fighting for fundamental freedoms.
- What are the key challenges faced by activists in "The System", and what are the broader implications?
- Activists in "The System" face burnout from the seemingly endless struggle against injustice, coupled with the increasing criminalization of protest. This highlights the systemic challenges faced by those fighting for change, even in seemingly open societies.
- How does "Writing Hawa" illustrate the cyclical nature of human rights struggles, and what historical context does it provide?
- Writing Hawa" uses the personal story of a mother and daughter to depict the cyclical nature of human rights struggles in Afghanistan, showing the gains made in the period after 9/11 that are now threatened by the Taliban's return. This provides historical context for the fragility of progress and the enduring fight for women's rights and education.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of activism, acknowledging both the challenges and the importance of the cause. While it highlights the burnout experienced by activists, it also emphasizes the real-world consequences of inaction and the importance of continued struggle for human rights. The inclusion of diverse perspectives from different activists across various movements prevents a one-sided portrayal.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. There is some use of emotionally charged words like "uitgeput" (exhausted) and "beklemning" (oppression), but these are used descriptively within the context of the activists' experiences and not to sway the reader's opinion.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including a broader range of perspectives on activism beyond the experiences of the three individuals featured. For example, it could incorporate the views of government officials or representatives from organizations that work with activists. However, the focus on personal accounts provides a valuable and insightful perspective, and the omission of broader opinions may be due to scope limitations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the challenges faced by activists in exercising their right to protest, highlighting the increasing criminalization of dissent and the impact on the freedom of expression and assembly. This directly relates to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The film "The System" explicitly addresses activist burnout, while "Writing Hawa" illustrates how the withdrawal of international forces and the return of the Taliban threaten hard-won freedoms for women in Afghanistan. Both show the fragility of peace and justice.