Thirteenth International Conference on The Image

Abstract

This paper is based on an ethnographic study that explores how Palestinians in Bethlehem use graffiti on the West Bank Barrier as a tool to educate and communicate with specific tourist groups. Appealing directly to international youth and popular movements, American citizens, and Christians through memes and pop icons, revolutionary graffiti, nationalistic imagery meant to guilt and shame certain countries’ roles in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and religious symbolism could potentially influence those viewers whose home countries have the power to change policy or public attitudes towards the Palestinian cause. This power lies in social media and international news, protesting US pro-Israel policies and military spending, liberal Jewish activism overseas, and the involvement of the church. From basic stencils to elaborate murals, these graffiti attempt to portray the Palestinian reality on the ground, as well as inspire international viewers to act for social change and build solidarity overseas.