Join renowned voices Fatima Bhutto, a novelist and social commentator, Steve Clemons, a seasoned journalist, and Konstantin Kisin, a comedian and writer, as they delve into the complexities of Western narratives on global justice. They explore how these narratives often overshadow diverse perspectives and question the West's commitment to equality and democracy. The conversation highlights the roles of media bias, free speech, and the urgent need to amplify marginalized voices, while unraveling the intricacies of identity and power in global discussions.
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insights INSIGHT
West's Narrative Complexity
The West often controls global narratives but it is not a monolith; diverse narratives compete within it.
Western critiques of the West also employ Western philosophies and theories, showing narrative complexity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Recent Western Contradictions
Fatima Bhutto shares recent examples like US support for problematic Ukrainian groups and secrecy about CIA abuses.
She highlights the West's complicity in Israel's actions against Palestinians, challenging its global justice claim.
insights INSIGHT
Western Values Worth Preserving
Western values and journalism are worthy ideals despite current stresses and failures.
Even flawed, these values offer models others should aspire to for promoting truth and justice.
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Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Manufacturing consent
Edward S. Herman
John Pruden
Noam Chomsky
An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West
Konstantin Kisin
In this book, Konstantin Kisin discusses his personal journey from growing up in the Soviet Union to thriving in the UK. He argues against the growing self-loathing in Western societies, highlighting the importance of defending Western values such as freedom and tolerance. The book explores topics like race politics, free speech, and immigration, offering an alternative perspective to the negative views often held about the West. Kisin's experiences and insights are presented in a humorous and provocative manner, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking.
For the greater part of a century, conversations and narratives about global justice and free speech have been dominated by the West. From seminal works of history to newspapers of record to media networks to politics to public discourse, Western voices have often been louder than the rest.
And while the West has long claimed to act in the name of democracy, equality and freedom, some wonder whether it always lives up to its own ideals. Can the world rely on Western media, politics and public rhetoric to promote global justice, or is it simply furthering its own interests?
At the tenth Bradford Literature Festival, speakers Fatima Bhutto, Steve Clemons and Konstantin Kisin came together alongside an onstage audience of students and recent graduates for a lively town hall exploring how this narrative control plays out on the world stage.
This Doha Debates town hall was moderated by journalist Remona Aly and produced in partnership with Bradford Literature Festival. It was filmed at University of Bradford in Bradford, England on July 6, 2024.
Doha Debates Podcast 
