Face to Face – Back to Back
Face to Face – Back to Back
Abdelkader Benali and Jan Brokken have started a fierce and heated direct exchange, sparked off by Jan with an outcry on the sadness of the discourse on Europe. Let them know what you think of their exchange!
The last exchange: Jan Brokken to Abdelkader Benali
The last exchange: Jan Brokken to Abdelkader Benali
For us in Europe, the dream is half – or completely – tucked into the reality. Perhaps we writers, poets, thinkers, filmmakers, composers should more clearly formulate the European dream with words, images and sounds.
The last exchange: Abdelkader Benali to Jan Brokken
The last exchange: Abdelkader Benali to Jan Brokken
To speak with one voice. How does this work?
Abdelkader Benali sends out his last letter to Jan Brokken, who will respond in the coming weeks, highlighting the importance of events such as Imagining Europe.
Their fourth exchange
Their fourth exchange
In the fourth exchange between Jan and Abdelkader they both look at Europe by using an 'outsiders' perspective: "For the Chinese it must be double trouble and therefore doubly attractive. They have to deal with a large language barrier, just as we would in China. So whenever I see a Chinese in Europe in search of salvation, I mostly see myself in China in search of salvation."
Their third exchange
Their third exchange
Jan calls for action in the third exchange between him and Abdelkader: "Besides the Europe of economists, another Europe must come of age: one of writers, poets, artists, composers and musicians. Right now they are in the margins – partially because that’s where they feel the safest. But it’s high time they showed more initiative."
Their second exchange
Their second exchange
The second exchange between Jan and Abdelkader is an outcry by Jan! "With younger people I always sense some disdain around the subject of Europe. [..] It’s as if they don’t want to know anything about Europe anymore.". With a soothing response by Abdelkader? "Why did Europe shift from supporting the idea of equality for all citizens, to giving primary rights to financial institutions?" Well, sort of ... let them know what you think!
Their first exchange
Their first exchange
Abdelkader Benali starts off his exchange with Jan Brokken "Nation-forming lives off illusions. The shared language creates the illusion of unity wherein we can share our movements." so why did Jan Brokken respond with "For me, you are the world of tomorrow, Abdelkader." ? Read their first exchange and you'll find out!
