During the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill protests, activists have created urban art as an expression of their political beliefs and collective identity. This research explores how urban art...Show moreDuring the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill protests, activists have created urban art as an expression of their political beliefs and collective identity. This research explores how urban art as a medium represents the postcolonial collective identity of the people of Hong Kong. This research will analyze selected urban art from the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Bill Protests through the methodology of semiotic art analysis. The primary objective of this paper is to research the collective postcolonial identity experienced amongst the people of Hong Kong. Through the case study of Hong Kong, this paper demonstrates how postcolonial identities are expressed in the context of urban protest art. Moreover, this paper showcases the role of urban art in resisting colonial structures of power.Show less
Dutch media coverage of female politicians within national government has been subject to a pattern of misogynistic representation and sexist language use. Discourse used in relation to female...Show moreDutch media coverage of female politicians within national government has been subject to a pattern of misogynistic representation and sexist language use. Discourse used in relation to female politicians is built upon stereotypes including women as witch-like individuals, as intellectually inferior, and as aggressive instead of assertive. This thesis strives to examine the representation of Dutch female politicians in the Dutch media through a lens of gender performativity, which refers to the theory that gender is not an inherent truth but a performed social construct that can be deconstructed and analysed. Through literary review of oft-weaponised stereotypes regarding women in a professional environment, followed by discourse analysis of Dutch media coverage of women in national politics, I aim to portray an increased level of negative and stereotypical language use in Dutch news and media outlets when reporting on Dutch female politicians as opposed to their male colleagues.Show less
This thesis examines the success of the African Union's intervention in Darfur from 2004 to 2007, focusing on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) while providing a nuanced comprehensive...Show moreThis thesis examines the success of the African Union's intervention in Darfur from 2004 to 2007, focusing on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) while providing a nuanced comprehensive framework with success criteria, which are necessary to ensure humanitarian interventions are held to a uniform standard. Through a thorough analysis of existing literature, the identification and development of 4 specific success criteria. The study uses these criteria to evaluate the effectiveness and success of AMIS, going beyond achieving the mission’s mandate. The analysis recommends the African Union Mission in Sudan be assessed using the 4 success criteria: (1) reduction of violence, (2) lessening human suffering, (3) stability in the region, and (4) the attainment of long-term positive peace. This paper argues for a nuanced understanding of a humanitarian intervention’s success, recognizing the interplay between immediate outcomes and long-term stability within the country. Recommending collaboration with international actors and organizations to further empower African-led humanitarian initiatives. Drawing lessons from the Darfur experience, this paper provides valuable insights for future humanitarian interventions, stressing the need for a framework to be created to utilize immediate relief via decreasing violence, lessening suffering with sustainable development, and implementing long-lasting peace initiatives. Ultimately, the thesis underscores the potential the African Union has to become a legitimate regional actor in conflict mediation, given adequate resources provided and support from the international community.Show less
Muralism is known as a highly politicised form of art in Post-revolutionary Mexico. The movement is best known for works by painters such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siquieros and José Clemente...Show moreMuralism is known as a highly politicised form of art in Post-revolutionary Mexico. The movement is best known for works by painters such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siquieros and José Clemente Orozco; together referred to as Los Tres Grandes. The last of these three, Orozco, refutes any political interpretation of his work, but is that justified? The thesis shows that, in Katharsis, through visual language and subject matter, suggestions are generated about the artist’s views on Mexico’s sociopolitical context at the time. These reflections are in line with elements of anarchist theory.Show less
