Barbara Vi Ho, University of Notre Dame
“Pursed Lips, Apprehensive Minds: Politics and Education as Transformative Tools for Inspiring the Youth of Bosnia Herzegovina”
Bio: Barbara Vi Thien Ho, a native of Portland, Oregon, is a junior History and Peace Studies double major with a minor in Gender Studies at the University of Notre Dame. This summer, she interned with Catholic Relief Services in Bosnia-Herzegovina in their human trafficking unit through the Center for Social Concerns’ International Summer Service Learning Program. Her passion resides in development work, particularly addressing issues of gender and education. This upcoming spring, she will be studying abroad in Kampala, Uganda. After graduation, she hopes to attend law school or graduate school to gain a better background in human rights issues and development.
Abstract: While some youth are ultra-nationalistic - a result of the experiences of their families or the loss of loved ones - others completely turn their backs on politics and view power and nationalism as the ultimate evil. Thirteen years after the war, the war is discussed in nationalism newspapers and in the media as if it happened yesterday. Political leaders, whom should be the pioneer for a new, united Bosnia-Herzegovina, are at times the most stubborn and nationalistic opponents of change. In order to provide a promising future to the youth of Bosnians, change must be multi-faceted, occurring not only in the home, but in the government and educational system. In this manner, reform must be both in attitude and in action. I will analyze the current political and educational structure to develop a deeper understanding of how the divisive system encourages nationalism and thus, makes reconciliation and reunification in BiH challenging even thirteen years after the war. I will look at how this structure affects local attitudes and perceptions, creating two polar realities: either extreme nationalism or political apathy. Lastly, I will discuss what can realistically be achieved in the near future in Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to ensure true and lasting peace.
