Selected Essays by Young Authors (Vol. 1)
Selected Essays by Young Authors (Vol. 1)
Contributor(s): Sonja Biserko (Editor), Seška Stanojlović (Editor), Dejan Petrović (Translator)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, History, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Education, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Customs / Folklore, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Political Theory, Sociology, Recent History (1900 till today), Special Historiographies:, Government/Political systems, Electoral systems, Politics and society, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Culture and social structure , Social development, Substance abuse and addiction, Family and social welfare, Nationalism Studies, Welfare services, Economic development, Period(s) of Nation Building, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Social Norms / Social Control, Identity of Collectives, Wars in Jugoslavia
Published by: Helsinški odbor za ljudska prava u Srbiji
Keywords: human rights; children's rights; Romani people; social development; vicious reality; inter-ethnic relations; democracy; Yugoslavia; Germans; modernism; ethno-symbolism; nationalism; identification;
Summary/Abstract: This is the first collection of selected essays by the authors who attended the courses and seminars the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia organized in 2004. Within the three-year project “Building up Democracy and Good Governance in Multiethnic Communities” that is being implemented with the assistance of the European Union, twelve 5-day “schools of democracy” and eight 3-day seminars under the common title “Life and Living in Multiethnic Environments” were held in 2004 in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and Novi Pazar. Over 500 trainees attended these courses and seminars. The project is aimed at capacitating young people – by the means of attractive and interactive courses of training – not only for a life in multiethnic communities that are particularly burdened with the adverse experience of the recent past, mutual distrust and stereotypes, but also for a life in the conditions that mark a modern democracy and reflect its standards. An objective as such implies, among other things, rational perception of notions, developments and trends that are in Serbia still blurred, marginalized and subject to relativism or, moreover, to various and even misguiding interpretations. The Helsinki Committee’s experience testifies this is all about a process that takes time but is worthy of effort – the more so since young people, as evidenced by the selected writings as well, fully perceive it as an imperative need of their own.
Series: Helsinki Committee Serbia (VARIA books)
- Print-ISBN-10: 86-7208-102-1
- Page Count: 80
- Publication Year: 2004
- Language: English
IN THE ARMS OF VICIOUS REALITY
IN THE ARMS OF VICIOUS REALITY
(IN THE ARMS OF VICIOUS REALITY)
- Author(s):Selma Dolovac
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Substance abuse and addiction, Victimology
- Page Range:5-9
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:essay; Selma Dolovac; personal experience; vicious reality; children's rights;
- Summary/Abstract:Let me introduce myself – my name is Child. Surname? Well, Child. Nationality, religion? Again, Child. Age? Newly-born Child, living in…well, in the world of children. I beg your pardon? How come I’m here? Well, it wasn’t my will. And, believe me, nobody asked me anything. I even resisted for nine months. They were a li le rough and, against my will, I simply stepped into this... no, I fell into this world. And, believe me, I met with problems immediately – I didn’t hear quite well, especially with my le ear. Probably due to many rifl e salvoes, fi red as a salute to me. Or, perhaps, to get me accustomed to that terrible music. It’s probably a sign that they already have one person more. God, I’m going to be a real hero! What then, I ask myself, being as lonely as I am, and le to to my own thoughts, while I watch them with open eyes, so drunk and dazed.
SNOWBALL FIGHTS
SNOWBALL FIGHTS
(SNOWBALL FIGHTS)
- Author(s):Višnja Baćanović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Military history, Government/Political systems, Studies in violence and power, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Inter-Ethnic Relations, Identity of Collectives
- Page Range:10-15
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Višnja Bacanović; Serbs; Croats; relationship with the past; identity; ideology; war; inter-ethnic relations;
- Summary/Abstract:At the meeting of sociology students from South-Eastern Europe in Ljubljana, in 2002, the representatives of each country were asked to present their homeland. Lacking inspiration, but of the mind that we had to do something about it, the students from Croatia and we, the students from Serbia, have decided to make, I dare say, a performance. We went out and had a snowball fight. Croats against Serbs (or the other way round). As soon as we had finished our snowball fight, we set down to the table to have more fun. We don’t know even now if our colleagues from Bulgaria, Romania or Moldavia were fully aware of our intention, but we were. The talks we had then were very important for each of us.
THE TITLE IS IN YOUR MIND, IN YOUR HEART, IN YOUR SOUL
THE TITLE IS IN YOUR MIND, IN YOUR HEART, IN YOUR SOUL
(THE TITLE IS IN YOUR MIND, IN YOUR HEART, IN YOUR SOUL)
- Author(s):Taufik Abul Suud
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Poetry, Studies in violence and power
- Page Range:16-20
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Taufik Abul Suud; poetry; Palestine; war; Israel;
DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY: A DIRECT OR A REVERSED PROPORTION?
DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY: A DIRECT OR A REVERSED PROPORTION?
(DEMOCRACY AND PROSPERITY: A DIRECT OR A REVERSED PROPORTION?)
- Author(s):Andreja Vražalić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Culture and social structure , Social differentiation, Studies in violence and power, Economic development
- Page Range:21-25
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Andreja Vražalić; democracy; political freedom; economy; prosperity;
- Summary/Abstract:The prevailing intellectual climate is a total belief in democracy. The more one country is “democratic”, the better for it. Democracy and economic prosperity are thought to be linked to one another. With its welfare state, Swedish social democracy is considered (at least here, in Serbia) to have the highest level of democracy. The equation says: more political freedoms = richer country. If only we became democrats, the economy would flourish.
YUGOSLAVIA - MYTH ABOVE MYTHS
YUGOSLAVIA - MYTH ABOVE MYTHS
(YUGOSLAVIA - MYTH ABOVE MYTHS)
- Author(s):Emina Grbo
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political history, Government/Political systems, Studies in violence and power, History of Communism
- Page Range:26-29
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Emina Grbo; Yugoslavia; politics; power; history;
- Summary/Abstract:In bygone days, in an impossible age, there existed a nice country. That nice country had a nice name: Yugoslavia. People who lived there were fine and honest people. They worked according to their abilities, and took according to their needs…. The most important thing was that they all liked and respected each other, and they liked their ruler. Well, that ruler was strange, because he was different from other people. In that distant past, everyone who was even slightly different was ignored as dangerous for the society, or le in some land of no-return to crush rocks. However, things were different with this ruler. To the surprise of the whole world, he was generally accepted. They say he had some strange power over people: he could persuade them to do, say or accept anything.
THE GERMANS IN SOMBOR AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD: PEOPLE NOT TALKED ABOUT, BUT AROUND US - JUST FORGOTTEN, OR CONSCIOUSLY HUSHED UP? -
THE GERMANS IN SOMBOR AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD: PEOPLE NOT TALKED ABOUT, BUT AROUND US - JUST FORGOTTEN, OR CONSCIOUSLY HUSHED UP? -
(THE GERMANS IN SOMBOR AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD: PEOPLE NOT TALKED ABOUT, BUT AROUND US - JUST FORGOTTEN, OR CONSCIOUSLY HUSHED UP? -)
- Author(s):Farkaš Ištvan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Recent History (1900 till today), Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Identity of Collectives
- Page Range:30-34
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Farkaš Ištvan; Sombor; Germans; ethnicity; minority group; culture;
- Summary/Abstract:I have a lot of friends, chums and acquaintances among the Germans in Sombor. I’m not even aware how many. There are, perhaps, many more, but I have never managed to find out. Finally, only a few years ago, I have become somehow aware of there existence next to us. I have even known more about the Jews, maybe the least known of our neighbors, than about the Germans. I knew better the Muslims the Vaishnavas, the Poles and the Czechs, so rarely present in my immediate surroundings. I “studied” them to a certain extent. Not that I didn’t know that two or three German families lived in my street, some of them being good friends of mine. Not that I didn’t know that a couple of Germans were my classmates, and that some of my teachers were of German extraction.
ETHNO-SYMBOLISM AND CLASSICAL MODERNISM IN THE STUDIES OF NATIONALISM
ETHNO-SYMBOLISM AND CLASSICAL MODERNISM IN THE STUDIES OF NATIONALISM
(ETHNO-SYMBOLISM AND CLASSICAL MODERNISM IN THE STUDIES OF NATIONALISM)
- Author(s):Tijana Milošević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Nationalism Studies, Period(s) of Nation Building
- Page Range:35-42
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Tijana Milošević; Yugoslavia; nationalism; modernism; ethno-symbolism; creating the nations; ethnic group;
- Summary/Abstract:The topic of nationalism attracts a lot of attention, especially in the Balkans, where it is quoted as one of the main causes of war in former Yugoslavia. Among different approaches to the studies of nationalism, the two are dominant – modernism and ethno-symbolism. The description and the analysis of the debate between these two dominant approaches make the subject of this essay. The statements of Ernest Gellner, a representative of modernism, and of his disciple Anthony Smith, a spokesman for ethno-symbolism, are in the focus of discussion. This essay will try to present and compare critically the main points of disagreement between the two approaches, which are: the cause of creating the nations and of the appearance of nationalism, as well as the modality and the timing of their origin. There will also be talk about the relevance of the term ethnic group for comprehending and the origin of the terms nation and nationalism.
THE TOWN NEEDS A CHANGE
THE TOWN NEEDS A CHANGE
(THE TOWN NEEDS A CHANGE)
- Author(s):Abida Ganić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Politics and society
- Page Range:43-44
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Abida Ganić; Novi Pazar; politics; children; life of young people; political influence; children's rights;
- Summary/Abstract:In the first part of this essay, I’ll explain the problem of children involvement in politics, and in the second, I’ll add some shortcomings in the life of young people to the subject. We are all aware that the conflicts between political parties in Novi Pazar have been more frequent recently. Even a shooting took place between two members of the parties in conflict, when two passers-by were wounded. At political meetings, where two parties usually shoot off their mouth and reproach each other, one can often see children who wave flags, or sing songs intended to insult members of other parties. Their parents often don’t care about their participation in such propaganda.
DO WE KNOW WE ARE A SMALL PEOPLE?
DO WE KNOW WE ARE A SMALL PEOPLE?
(DO WE KNOW WE ARE A SMALL PEOPLE?)
- Author(s):Saša Đošić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Education, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Criminology, Societal Essay, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:45-47
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Saša Đošić; Serbia; European Union; EU accession; politics; war crime; state reform; education;
- Summary/Abstract:The wish of all citizens in Serbia is to join the European Union, or at least it should be. To become a full member of the EU, one has to fulfill a number of obligations which are demanded by this “community of states”. Of course, if one wishes to live better, to join other peoples in the surroundings and have an approximate living standard as they do, one must accept certain rules and principles which they share. From 1999 to the changes of 2000, Serbia was in a political, economic, financial and cultural chaos, which was caused by a backward, conservative and dangerous policy of Slobodan Milošević and his men. There are certain demands which Serbia and Montenegro must fulfill if the country wants to enter the European Union.
THE POSITION OF THE ROMANIES IN A LOCAL COMMUNITY
THE POSITION OF THE ROMANIES IN A LOCAL COMMUNITY
(THE POSITION OF THE ROMANIES IN A LOCAL COMMUNITY)
- Author(s):Emilija Cicić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Education, Civil Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Culture and social structure , Welfare services, Societal Essay, Ethnic Minorities Studies
- Page Range:48-51
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Emilija Cicić; Kragujevac; Romani people; ethnic minority; social status; civil rights; poverty; education; stereotype;
- Summary/Abstract:The Romanies in Kragujevac have a destiny similar to those in other cities of Serbia: as a group, they are at the most extreme margin. Living isolated from the social trends, in an almost parallel world, they do not have any social power. The society doesn’t show interest in them and their problems, while only some individuals have an understanding of civil and collective rights. Many Romanies are not able to realize the basic civil and collective rights because they are not aware of them. More often than not, the institutions in charge, which should protect their rights, tend to reject them, rather than provide them with necessary help. The position of Romanies has got additionally worse with the wide-spread pauperization of society. A substantial number of Romanies who had been working in “Zastava” were fired. They are now either registered with the Bureau of Employment, or selling goods at the flea market. Some categories of the Romany population are in an extremely difficult position: refugees from Kosovo, deportees from the Western countries, and child beggars without parental guidance or care.
THE SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD MARGINAL GROUPS
THE SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD MARGINAL GROUPS
(THE SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARD MARGINAL GROUPS)
- Author(s):Jovana Radojević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Culture and social structure , Social differentiation, Societal Essay, Ethnic Minorities Studies, Social Norms / Social Control
- Page Range:52-56
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Jovana Radojević; marginal group; discrimination; social attitudes; intolerance; sexual orientation;
- Summary/Abstract:The positions of people are one of the characteristics which are subject to variations. Opinions and attitudes of people are subject to changes, more or less frequent, and under the influence of other groups of people, media, or some other means of information. The most interesting for me are the attitudes toward groups discriminated against, or groups of people in a marginal situation.
IDENTIFICATION
IDENTIFICATION
(IDENTIFICATION)
- Author(s):Dejan Pataki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Identity of Collectives, Wars in Jugoslavia
- Page Range:57-59
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Dejan Pataki; identification; problem with identification; collectivism; sport; war;
- Summary/Abstract:How many times in my life have I heard “Why do you interfere?!”, or “Let it be, you can’t do anything about it!”. And, certainly, the most frequent phrase: “As if my voice would change anything”. I keep asking myself what is the matter here? Do people underestimate themselves and clearly say “I’m just a nobody”, or willingly sink into a collective molasses, saying: “That’s the way we are”. In my case, the problem with identification emerged for the first time in the first grade of elementary school, when records on nationality began to be kept. The ones asked before my turn answered: “Yugoslavian”, “Turkish”, “Serbian”, Hungarian”…I have a surname which corresponds to the nation quoted last, and to the fact that my grandfather speaks Hungarian fluently. Until then, I probably haven’ seen Hungary even in the pictures, and as I admitted knowing how to count up to ten in my grandfather’s language (I could also count in English, but that wasn’t a part of my dilemma), I declared myself as a citizen of Zrenjanin.
THERE IS A PEOPLE...
THERE IS A PEOPLE...
(THERE IS A PEOPLE...)
- Author(s):Jelena Mirkov
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Ethnohistory, The Ottoman Empire, Identity of Collectives
- Page Range:60-61
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Jelena Mirkov; Serbs; history; Ottoman Empire; people;
- Summary/Abstract:Serbs, the best people, heavenly people, innocent lamb, democratic and patriotic people. Without concern to the circumstances, they stand behind their promises, and above all, behind the men who honestly defended their country, national heroes, as they call them. There are never enough epithets for this people who, unfortunately, is not an imaginary, but a real one, with a real country. But who are they at all, and does the world know of them?
MISFORTUNE IN A MODERN FORM
MISFORTUNE IN A MODERN FORM
(MISFORTUNE IN A MODERN FORM)
- Author(s):Marija Živanović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Victimology, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Wars in Jugoslavia
- Page Range:62-64
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Marija Živanović; war; children; Kosovo; true story; consequences of the attack;
- Summary/Abstract:Of all the misfortunes that happen to my people, but also to all the other peoples, without exception, I am most upset with those involving children. I don’t justify wars, which are begun by the adults, not by children who are completely innocent, but perish without even beginning to live. I think there is no punishment harsh enough to which I’d sentence such people. This is a true story about the destiny of some people, which made a strong impression on me and made me think.
A TRADITIONAL ARGUMENT
A TRADITIONAL ARGUMENT
(A TRADITIONAL ARGUMENT)
- Author(s):Dejan Pataki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Customs / Folklore, Military policy
- Page Range:65-66
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Dejan Pataki; civic service; Serbia; tradition; army;
- Summary/Abstract:It’s been almost a year since I have been preoccupied with the matters of civic service, that is to say the conscientious objection, in Serbia. One of the activities we had undertaken at the very beginning has been to conduct a poll of citizens on the subject. The commentary which was often expressed by all those polled who disagreed with an alternative to the compulsory military service was: “My grandfather has served, my father too, and so will I. It’s a family tradition.” The word which attracted my attention in the argument against civic service was tradition. It made me think how tradition as an argument was sufficient all by itself. Approaching the subject, I have diligently looked up the meaning of the word traditional in Vujaklija’s “Lexicon”. Apart from a number of synonyms which explain the term, there was a word usual. A send-off of recruits to the army looks approximately as follows.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL ON SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
THE INFLUENCE OF THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL ON SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
(THE INFLUENCE OF THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL ON SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)
- Author(s):Ivan Dobrić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Criminal Law, International Law, Social development, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
- Page Range:67-69
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Ivan Dobrić; Serbia; Montenegro; International Court of Justice; Hague; economic and social development; International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia;
- Summary/Abstract:I’d like to explain in this text why it is that the influence of the International Criminal Court for Former Yugoslavia is a crucial factor of economic and social development of Serbia and Montenegro. In defense of my opinion, three stages will be presented in the following order: 1. A brief history and the fundamental task of the Hague Tribunal; 2. Pointing out the necessity of fulfilling the obligations to this Court on legal and moral grounds; 3. And, last but not least, concluding that the cooperation with Hague is the crucial factor of our country’s “opening up” to European and other integrations.
DEMOCRACY
DEMOCRACY
(DEMOCRACY)
- Author(s):Tijana Vladisavljević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Government/Political systems, Electoral systems, Politics and society, Societal Essay
- Page Range:70-72
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Tijana Vladisavljević; democracy; free direct and secret elections; human rights; party pluralism; majority rule;
- Summary/Abstract:The notion of democracy means the rule of the people. The very concept and the way of governing a society appeared at the time of flourishing of ancient Greece. Etymologically, it signifies people (demos) and rule (kratos). Democratic practice has come into being as an opposition to tyranny which had dominated earlier history. In the societies in which there had been no democracy, the rule over people was exercised by individuals or groups. These individuals had the titles of kings, pharaohs or despots, who imposed their will on people like the Scourge of God. The groups which exercised power were called oligarchies, juntas and alike.
FAMILY AND YOUNG PEOPLE
FAMILY AND YOUNG PEOPLE
(FAMILY AND YOUNG PEOPLE)
- Author(s):Bojan Petrović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social development, Family and social welfare, Societal Essay, Social Norms / Social Control
- Page Range:73-75
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Bojan Petrović; family; young people; generation gap; cultural trends; social trends; family influence;
- Summary/Abstract:One of the frequent excuses which can be heard from young people is: “My parents don’t understand children of my age.” Why is the generation gap so present in our families? Why are the parents and the young people in our society literally at war with each other? All these are questions which I wanted to deal with, in the wake of my previous interest, connected with this subject which is so characteristic of my milieu. Consequently, to bring the cultural trends closer to the real social trends and somehow expand the problem critically. While preparing this essay, I was greatly helped by the works of Thomas Gordon and Mirjana Obretković: “The Art of Parenthood”, and “Family Relationships, Guardianship, and Social Work”, respectively.
A BIG PROBLEM OF YOUNG PEOPLE
A BIG PROBLEM OF YOUNG PEOPLE
(A BIG PROBLEM OF YOUNG PEOPLE)
- Author(s):Erna Oklapi
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social development, Substance abuse and addiction, Societal Essay
- Page Range:76-78
- No. of Pages:3
- Keywords:Erna Oklapi; young people; politics; drug consumption; ruin of society;
- Summary/Abstract:The most difficult subject that many politicians evade, as well as the people at large, are the problems of young people today. The problem of drug consumption presents the greatest danger of all. My personal belief as regards this is simple and clear. I’m not like the “others” who “don’t know” or “don’t see” what is going on with young people. I don’t take it as a taboo subject and don’t run away from it. In the following, I want to explain that the use of narcotics by young people brings about their ruin, as well as that of the society as a whole and, finally, of the state in which drug addiction is of a mass scale.
CHILDREN’S LIFE, SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT
CHILDREN’S LIFE, SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT
(CHILDREN’S LIFE, SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT)
- Author(s):Radmila Krstić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Social development
- Page Range:79-80
- No. of Pages:2
- Keywords:Radmila Krstić; children; development; children's rights; life;
- Summary/Abstract:The feelings of happiness, love, pleasure, tranquility and fulfillment begin to fade away slowly. It doesn’t take a lot to feel like this, but these feelings are sometimes so distant and unreachable. Does every child know what these words mean, or has he only read them somewhere? Does every child live in happiness, warmth, and love, or is it just their imagination and dreams which will never come through? All people are, in fact, big children who miss laughter, play and song, and everyone sometimes wishes to be a child again, in a way to avoid problems and make up for something he might have lost in childhood.
