Hi Class,

In Harnoor’s blog post “De-Framing Frames of War” she discusses Butler’s theory that we are influenced by the frames that surround us. She then applies this to the migrant crisis, and discusses how we can become prejudice due to our “frames”. I think she brings up an interesting point, but I wonder, how can we change these frames? While a “frame” picked up by the media may be easy to brush off, a “frame” or opinion passed down by one’s family many not be so. How can we manipulate our frames to avoid the formation of an “us” and a “them”? Is that even possible? Harnoor also writes about how she believes that improper representation of a group in one’s “frame” can lead to detachment, making violence seem fine. I agree with this, and also think that it’s difficult for us to relate to other people when we don’t know them personally or don’t seem to be directly affected by the trauma.

What are your thoughts on the frames through which you interpret current events?

–Olivia Richardson