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biopolitics, The Country of Eridia – a fictional discussion setting – dystopian variant

This activity allows exploration of complex geopolitical issues in a fictionalized setting, fostering open dialogue and critical thinking.

Background

Geography

A small but geopolitically significant country with diverse landscapes reflecting both urban and religious influences.

History

Historically, Eridia has been divided between the Yarans in the west and Zanis in the east, with both groups claiming deep historical and religious ties to the entire land.

Territorial Disputes

Yarans, controlling the government, faced resistance from the Zanis, leading to prolonged conflict.

Governance

A single, Yaran-dominated government with limited Zani representation.

Intermingled Communities

Despite conflicts, Yarans and Zanis have lived side by side in several areas, leading to shared yet contested cultural and religious spaces.

Religious Sites

Many sites within Eridia are sacred to both Yarans and Zanis.

Global Perspectives

Eridia’s strategic position drew significant international attention, with varying viewpoints on its internal conflict.

Diaspora Dynamics

Yaran and Zani diasporas influenced international policies and public opinion.

Disability Prevalence

Ongoing conflicts in the region result in a high prevalence of disabilities, affecting both Yarans and Zanis.

Controversional Politics

Yaran-led government policies towards disability have often been seen as biased, exacerbating existing tensions in the region.


Use this opportunity to consider real-world situations from multiple angles without promoting any one-sided views.

Divided Eridia

Two-State Tension

The two-state solution in Eridia has led to increased division and isolation, with both states developing divergent and often conflicting disability policies.

Economic and Cultural Divide

The disparity in resources and cultural attitudes towards disability has widened, leading to inequality and social unrest.

Roles

  1. Yaran Government Official: Defends stringent policies focused on ‘ability’ and economic contribution, often neglecting broader disability rights.
  2. Zani Resistance Leader: Highlights the struggles and marginalization of disabled Zanis, especially in resource-starved areas.
  3. Disillusioned Mediana Activist: Criticizes both states for failing to address the needs of all disabled individuals.
  4. Critical Theorist: Challenges the prevailing narratives of disability vs. ableness, and highlights issues like the different treatment of veterans vs. non-veterans and neurodiverse individuals.
  5. International Humanitarian Worker: Expresses concern over the worsening conditions for disabled people in Eridia.
  6. Disabled War Veteran: Shares personal experiences of conflict, neglect, and the struggle for recognition.

Character Profiles

Yaran Government Official

  1. Profile 1: A hardliner focused on economic productivity, viewing disability through the lens of workforce contribution and economic benefit.
  2. Profile 2: A bureaucrat who believes in strict policies for resource allocation, prioritizing ‘able’ disabled individuals and often overlooking those with severe disabilities.

Zani Resistance Leader

  1. Profile 1: A fiery speaker who emphasizes the injustices faced by disabled Zanis and calls for radical changes in policy and societal attitudes.
  2. Profile 2: A strategic thinker who proposes concrete solutions and advocates for international intervention to ensure equitable treatment of disabled Zanis.

Disillusioned Mediana Activist

  1. Profile 1: An activist who has become cynical due to the lack of progress, questioning the motives of both governments and advocating for a third, independent path for Mediana.
  2. Profile 2: A former government worker turned activist, disillusioned by the bureaucracy and red tape, now advocating for grassroots movements to drive change.

Critical Theorist

  1. Profile 1: A scholar who critiques the binary view of disability, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the spectrum of abilities and challenging societal norms.
  2. Profile 2: An academic who focuses on the intersectionality of disability, highlighting how race, gender, and class intersect with disability, often leading to compounded marginalization.

International Humanitarian Worker

  1. Profile 1: A seasoned aid worker who has witnessed the deteriorating conditions firsthand, advocating for immediate international aid and intervention.
  2. Profile 2: A policy advisor for an international organization who critiques the short-term nature of aid, advocating for systemic changes and sustainable solutions.

Disabled War Veteran

  1. Profile 1: A veteran who speaks about the lack of support and recognition for those injured in service, advocating for better care and respect.
  2. Profile 2: A critically injured veteran who feels abandoned by the system, sharing a personal narrative of struggle and neglect, questioning the values of the society that once hailed them as heroes.

Preperation

  • Setting: The summit takes place in a neutral location, with high security due to the tensions between the Yaran and Zani states.
  • Purpose: To address the escalating crisis regarding the treatment and rights of disabled individuals in both states, amidst growing international concern and internal strife.
  • Key Issues:
    • Disparities in access to healthcare and support for disabled individuals.
    • Allegations of discrimination and neglect in disability policies.
    • The impact of ongoing conflict and economic disparity on disabled communities.
  • Roles and Perspectives:
    • Government officials from both states defend their policies amidst criticism.
    • Activists and disabled individuals express frustration and demand change.
    • Critical theorists and international representatives challenge the existing policies and advocate for a more equitable approach.

Summit Coordinators?

Responsibilities include:

  • Introduce topics, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of disability rights, economic factors, and cultural perceptions.
  • Facilitate balanced dialogue, encourage critical thinking, and manage time effectively.
  • Prompt participants to consider how their discussions relate to the concepts in Puar’s work, especially regarding the construction and value of different disabilities.
  • Taking notes of the discussion and arguments.

Discuss your roles, develop your characters, and plan your approach to the scenario. Think about how you will represent your character’s viewpoint and interact with others.

Role Play

  • Setting: The summit takes place in a neutral location, with high security due to the tensions between the Yaran and Zani states.
  • Purpose: To address the escalating crisis regarding the treatment and rights of disabled individuals in both states, amidst growing international concern and internal strife.
  • Key Issues:
    • Disparities in access to healthcare and support for disabled individuals.
    • Allegations of discrimination and neglect in disability policies.
    • The impact of ongoing conflict and economic disparity on disabled communities.
  • Roles and Perspectives:
    • Government officials from both states defend their policies amidst criticism.
    • Activists and disabled individuals express frustration and demand change.
    • Critical theorists and international representatives challenge the existing policies and advocate for a more equitable approach.
    • Summit Coordinators.

OpenEdition schlägt Ihnen vor, diesen Beitrag wie folgt zu zitieren:
Victoria Mummelthei (20. November 2023). biopolitics, The Country of Eridia – a fictional discussion setting – dystopian variant. Keine Disziplin – No Discipline. Abgerufen am 9. März 2026 von https://doi.org/10.58079/13jop


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