Glenn Patterson

Glenn Patterson, a Northern Irish novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, teams up with sociologist David Cunningham to explore the complexities of identity and conflict in Belfast. They dive into how the word 'community' is often misappropriated, revealing its impact on societal interactions. Patterson shares insights on the dangers of ‘softening’ peace walls and the consequences of visual policing through murals. They also discuss the haunting notion of 'unseeing' others in divided cities, drawing parallels with global urban segregation.