Nuance and Culture: Projects for 2013

Over the last two years and especially over the last few months, the blog has undergone a subtle shift from persistently tense political discourse to a more nuanced appreciation of Palestine’s rich culture. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a transition; the politics are certainly still here. But as we become more aware of the strength that comes with holding on tight to our histories and traditions and all the little quirks that define us and our struggle, this almost seems to be the natural course of things.

To make it easier on you, the reader, I’ve put together a short list of some of the projects and plans I have in store for Sixteen Minutes to Palestine.

Palestinian Profiles in America: This is by far the most comprehensive project undertaken on SMP and requires time and resources that just aren’t always there. It’s also a running project with no set end date, so look out for stories and personal biographies of Palestinians from all walks of life for as long as this website is up and running.

Poetry: Inspired by the power of choppy lines, occasional rhymes, and the deep stories they can convey, I’ve developed a great affinity to Palestine-related poetry and will be featuring original guest contributions from time to time.

The Great Mansaf Debate: What initially started off as a Twitter joke became the blog’s first attempt at cultural satire. Although traditionally Jordanian, Mansaf has become embedded in Palestinian culture to such a degree that many Palestinians take it more seriously than they do politics.

Visual Arts: I’ve featured an overwhelming amount of photojournalism on the blog in the past but now I hope to expand the visual scene to include infographics, maps, candid photography, and other aids. The purpose is to dramatically enhance our perception and interpretation of the presented information, conceptually speaking.

Aside from these four main things, there will still be the usual media critiques, political commentary, and news coverage that make up much of the blog’s foundation. Only now, the foundation should be noticeably more cultured and refined.