Study Day on “Narratives of Resistance, Resistance of Narratives” in Gabes, Tunisia

This Study Dau is co-organised by MECAM and the Higher Institute of Language of Gabès and represnted by Dr. Julius Dihstelhoff, MECAM’s Academic Coordinator, and Dr. Cyrine Kortas, MECAM Logterm – Fellows, With the participation of Dr. Loaay Watad from MECAM’s consortial partner, Forum Transregionale Studien from Berlin as well as  Dr. Imene Khefacha MECAM’s Fellow Coordinator.

Venue: Higher Institute of Language of Gabès
When will it take place? Will take place on 12 June 2024 in Gabes.

As part of the follow-up to last year’s study day on ‘Media narratives’, the MECAM – Merian Centre for Advanced Studies in the Maghreb, in collaboration with the Institut Supérieur des Langues de Gabès, is organising a one-day conference on focuses on the relationship between media and narratives of resistance, an area of academic research that calls for further elaboration.  In the context of academic media research and study, the narrative of resistance serves as a crucial framework for understanding how individuals and groups actively oppose or challenge oppressive systems and structures. This narrative encompasses a wide range of actions and strategies, from political protests and social movements to everyday acts of defiance and subversion. These acts are found in social media networks a niche for manifestation and development.  By focusing on resistance as a narrative, we invite scholars, thinkers, and students to analyze the various ways in which marginalized communities negotiate power dynamics and assert their agency in the face of oppression. We also invite them to ponder over and resist classical and orthodox readings of the political, cultural, and media scene in their countries or the international arena alike. The event offers the possibility to understand and develop frames of resistance.

This event aims to delve into how media’s different channels, both mainstream and alternative media, influence the storytelling of people’s struggles and strives. Through the various studies harbored by the event, we seek to explore how resistance and resisting narratives impact social behavior and foster interdisciplinary interaction.The seminar focuses on how media portrays and fuels narratives of resistance. It stresses the need to understand media and enhance literacy by recognizing, exploring, and amplifying diverse resistance stories. Participants are encouraged to explore resistance narratives across different media forms such as film, news, magazines, advertising, blogs, and social media.