Day 5 - "Todos tenemos una parte de la verdad"

 How do we reach consensus? Is consensus possible without compromise and how do we assure that the most representative opinion comes forward? How do John Stuart Mill´s argument for the liberty of thought affect the function of true democracy?

The participants were able to reach a consensus on "la pena de muerte" -- death penalty-- in five minutes. But not everyone agreed with each other. In pairs and five rounds, they explained their perspectives to each other to practically experience how it i¡was to hear as many opinions as possible. Though in the end still not everyone agreed on the topic (which can be a good sign), they were enthusiastic about having heard their peers’ thoughts. Some of them even took the opinions to heart and changed theirs.

What are the economical relationships between developed and developing countries, and how do these reinforce the disparity between them? What role does international trade play in this? How does international trade work in the first place? How do macroeconomic fluctuations of the market influence national economies?

Put in the position of some of the world´s countries, participants had to develop their country in order to get as much money as possible in their bank account. They started with debts, disparity in industry and different natural resources. China, los Estados Unidos and Norway did significantly better than, for instance, Guatemala and Nigeria. Though Nigeria was superfluous in oil, there was virtually no industry to produce. The interdependence on the world market was illustrated by production of corn in Guatemala as one of their only exports. 

What does it feel like to be privileged or be maltreated unjustly? How does inequality lead to violence? Would you share if you were in a more advantaged situation than someone else?

“¡Revolución!” “¡Desigualdades!” “You are the best, president Albert, even though you mistreat us” were some of the calls frequently heard during the Social Injustice Game, wherein participants had to build cities in small groups with an unequal amount of resources and space to sit in. Barely fitting with six people in the space provided, with four pieces of paper and a grey pencil versus a massive area for three with many coloured pencils, as much tape as you wish and even plastic straws to provide support for the paper houses. A scissor was a rare sight. Rebellion led to a visit to prison, requests for a president´s visit were ignored and stealing was a growing protest against the injustice experienced. 

The Social Injustice Game

What are current world conflicts? How can we apply the learned theory of the Critical Engagement of Conflict Workshops this week be applied to better understand the causes of the conflict?

The participants used provided research on the Tarzan conflict in Canada, the conflict of Kosovo, women´s rights in Afghanistan and the War on Drugs in Mexico to present their findings to the rest of their group. For many, it provided an opportunity to read and learn about a different situation in another part of the world.

As throughout the entire week, all workshops and games (or “talleres y jeugos”) ended with discussions about what they illustrated using questions such as the ones stated above. Many participants took great interest in what they illustrated and opened their eyes to a number of serious issues when talking about conflicts. Their engagement in all the activities is truly inspiring and very motivating for the future of Mexico. One person hit the nail on the head for me by saying: “Todos tenemos una parte de la verdad”-- “Each one of us holds a part of the truth.” I think she´s right. It entails exactly why we, participants and facilitators, are here.

- Laura Brouwer (AC '09-'11) - The Netherlands