Potluck and Discussion on
"TRANSNATIONALISM, TERRORISM AND GENDER"
Friday, September 28, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
at the Knapp House, 130 East Gilman St.

The terror on Tuesday September 11, 2001 was evidence of the new form of global conflicts, i.e. terrorism as the transnational actions by non-national entities. The looming "war" by the US government is likely to be the first one in modern time that a superpower declared an actual war against a slippery enemy that operates from any apartments and motel rooms in the world. Domestically, America also faces a serious challenge not only from its enemy but by its own government -- whether or not or to what extent civil liberties should be the price for security -- and the increasing backlashes against particular minorities.

As all of us shed tears in shock and as our deepest sympathy goes to every family that lost their loved ones, we are also bombarded by news and information about the evil terrorists against America and Western civilization. The simplistic, perennial myth of "good vs. evil" works at full force without adequate critical consideration. Why are they so evil? Are they? What are the broader perspectives, historically and transnationally, that might help us understand the tragedy better? In what ways do post-Cold War and transnational conditions facilitate this new form of global conflicts and actions? What are the implications of the transnational terrorism and the "war" against it? Is liberty a price for security? How much? How else, if we can think otherwise, should we respond to and engage with this new political environment? In addition, in this time of disquiet and anger, the masculinity of conflict is unleashed. The discourses of patriotism, security, and retaliation are heavily gendered, but we hear no discussion about this.

As our hearts go to those who suffer, our intellectual community should confront these issues with the best of our heads. The Border and Transcultural Studies Research Circle would like to invite you to our potluck discussion for the Fall 2001 to share your thought on these issues. We urge participants to read from many sources for many perspectives on the issues. Unlike the journal articles we had in previous meetings, the reading we would like to suggest as starting point is the London Guardian's Special Report on Afghanistan http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan that comprises 15 short (1-2 pages each) critical commentaries. They should help us prepared for the discussion on the topics rather than on the readings themselves. Given the nature of the readings this time, more materials from websites will be suggested soon. Please note that NO photocopies of reading are materials provided this time.

Attention: The venue this time is the Knapp House, the former Governor's mansion, now the residence for the Marie Christine Kohler Fellows (direction below). Given the generosity of the Knapp House to use its space, everyone should bring foods, deserts, AND DRINKS to share. Amenities will be provided. Dinner will start at 6:00; the discussion at 7:30. Please feel free to invite others who are interested in the discussion.

The Knapp House, 130 East Gilman, is easy to find, as long as you keep in mind that the East-West division of the street is at Wisconsin Ave from the Capitol, NOT AT STATE ST. Parking is on the street or at the Dayton-Pinckney St. ramp, a few blocks away. If you have problems finding the house, please call Chris Chekuri at 264-0544.