Everything Under The Sun: Music To Create Understanding Amid Differences

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Music To Create Understanding Amid Differences

Members of Heartbeat performing in the UK.

Can musicians come together from communities that are usually in conflict with each other? Can that happen even when the conflicts escalate towards violence, outbreaks of military attacks against each other? Whether it can actually be done and promote wider change may be difficult to answer, but even trying to bridge the divide may make some difference.

At the very least the Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians of HEARTBEAT are coming together to make music. But in the process, they raise their voices for social change, build respect and trust across that national divide, learn what it's like to continue a dialogue with each other, allowing the music and fellowship within a safe space, to empower them.

The musicians of Heartbeat maintain the 30 articles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Anyone is welcome to join, as long as they commit to viewing and treating each other with respect, as equals. The emphasis is on nonviolence and the tools of nonviolence, along with a dedication to human rights and civic responsibility. In utilizing their musical creativity, members of the group can strive to imagine the world as they would like it to be.

In November, Heartbeat hosted a panel discussion, along with live music, Music & Peacebuilding at the Marvin Center on the George Washington University Campus in DC. Realizing the power of music, the discussion acknowledged that it could used to heal hatred and lead to positive change, or it could be a force fueling hatred, reinforcing division, and escaping from reality. However, despite its impact, mainstream discussion does not include music as means of international conflict resolution. But when music is sidelined, do we ignore the power of music and arts in the change process?

Announcing the panel discussion at George Washington University.

The discussion focused on the possibilities of music driving social change and transforming conflict, along with exploring the role of music in social change, both in the US and overseas. The music highlights the works of members of Heartbeat, along with other efforts that have been using music as a means of social change.

Since this discussion/presentation, the members of Heartbeat have embarked on an exploration of issues and experiences surrounding forced migration, which will continue for eight months. The issue will be considered within music, lyrics, and discussion.