Preforming Afghanistan

Preforming Afghanistan (professional development)

Tuesday, October 7, 2019 (7;00 pm – 8:30 pm)

Wexner Center for Arts

The part of the event that was most interesting to me was the photography presentation and guest speaker Joël van Houdt that took place at 7:00 pm. He was joined by his wife on stage as they shared their experience working as a journalist and photographer in Afghanistan with locals hoping to flee or Afghan refugees from all over the country. The exhibition of his photos were centered in Cabo, and told the story of where these refugees flee and how far across the globe they spread. He followed their struggles after the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan and the panic and instability that ensued. I think this was an extremely moving presentation and showcased what a huge impact every country can have on another and the aid or trouble they can cause for individuals. It depicted the hardships the refugees have to face as they desperately attempt to travel through Asia into Europe in hopes of a more stable and safe existence. Joël also mentioned how he participated in such a monumental task to show those still in Afghanistan what their fellow countrymen were going through. This relates to IA through the different countries involved, the refugees and their struggles while trying to seek asylum, as well as the discussion of transnational impact that we all have on each other. Unfortunately we ran out of time, but I was very curious to see the kind of struggles van Houdt and his wife might’ve faced trying to showcase these stories apart from strange reactions or weird stares. This event definitely reinforced my perception of refugees and deepened my empathy toward their troubles. It also was very eye opening to see the negative impact American withdrawal had on the country, as usually we are not portrayed as the unhelpful in our own country. This event mostly intersected with my professional and personal goals. I love learning about cultures and people’s stories or behaviors or thought processes because of those cultures, as well as the fact that I hope to one day be an advocate for refugees or help however possible.

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