Borders of Belonging
Connecting the Local and the Global through personal histories
In this section, we delve into the intricate web of connections that exist between the local and the global. As a team of curators coming from across the world, we noticed how during two semesters of reading sources and exploring sites associated with borders, we learned a lot about the way particular historical borders loom large in certain communities, while they are almost unbeknown to others.
We also reflected on commonalities of experiences across contexts as diverse as the German-German Border in Mödlareuth, the Korean Demilitarised Zone and the situation in Kashmiri villages, and the hope that the dissolution of past borders in some parts of the world can give to communities that are still divided.
In this section, we explore some of the dynamic interplays between personal narratives and academic research. By dwelling into our own memories and family archives we try to shed light on how autoethnography can contribute to understanding the relationship between the local and the global, the personal and the structural in the field of border studies.
Autoethnography is a methodology that combines personal reflection and cultural analysis. These narratives offer intimate insights into the intersecting realms of culture, identity, and border dynamics and explore how borders and belonging are intertwined.
As such the narratives, images and objects are an invitation to reflect on our shared humanity, challenging preconceived notions and fostering dialogue. Together, we can deepen our understanding of the intricate tapestry of the local and the global, promoting empathy, collaboration, and the pursuit of a more inclusive and interconnected world.
