War of Images
Modernity and its Discontinuities
organized by German Federal Cultural Foundation and House of World Cultures, conference languages: English, Arabic, and German with simultaneous translations
Focus 2: Muslims in Europe: A Challenge for Society and Politics
12:00–13:30h Panel discussion: Strategies for Integration in Times of Political Polarisation
Fathi el-Abed, Copenhagen / Gari Pavkovic, Stuttgart / Günter Piening, Berlin / Sabiha El-Zayat, Cologne
Moderation Moderation: Karen Schönwälder, Berlin
13:30–14:30h lunch break
Focus 3: Human and Civil Rights in the Era of Globalised Communications: Ranking vs. Co-existence of Values
14:30–16:30h Panel discussion: The Rising Number of Taboos - Freedom of the Press in the Era of Globalisation
Adel Hammouda, Cairo / Anne Knudsen, Copenhagen / Muntada al-Ramahi, Dubai (UAE) / Jonathan Steele, London
Moderation: Nils Minkmar, Berlin
16:30–17:30h Break
17:30–19:15 h Lectures
Ulrich K. Preuß, Berlin, and also Abdullahi An-Naïm, Atlanta (to be confirmed): On the Definition of Civil and Human Rights: The Importance of Historical Context
Panel discussion: Ulrich K. Preuß, Berlin / Abdullahi An-Naïm, Atlanta (to be confirmed) / Ziba Mir-Hosseini, London / Peter Schneider, Berlin
Moderation: Sabine Berking, Berlin
War of Images
Modernity and its Discontinuities
The controversies surrounding the caricatures of the prophet Muhammad and the violent reactions in the Islamic world raise important questions about the rules by which cultures with different value systems can peacefully co-exist. Suddenly, it has become clear just how far-reaching the phenomenon of globalisation has become. Indeed, every act of public communication today has the potential to be perceived by every other individual, regardless of where he or she lives. Limiting a message to a particular country or target group is no longer possible.
The goal of the conference is to discuss strategies for preventing further polarisation. During the discussions we will focus on five main points:
What logic do media interventions follow in the age of globalisation, and what role is played by the transcultural iconography of images in these interventions?
How do representatives of state institutions and Muslim communities treat polarisations between «Islam and the West» in their efforts to promote integration in Europe and, in particular, in Germany?
What role do the simultaneous and often contradictory demands and expectations of different cultures play when it comes to developing a modern consensus on pivotal civil and human rights?
Which global changes influence the co-existence of individuals and societies?
Which strategies do we need to achieve a peaceful and rewarding co-existence of individuals and societies with different value systems?
