Reflecting on the growing violence in Kibera as described in “Find Me Unafraid”, I felt an intense emotional connection, seeing parallels with the struggles in Colombia and Turkey. Both countries have experienced cycles of political violence, instability, and corruption that often target marginalized communities, leaving them vulnerable and voiceless. The challenges Jessica and Kennedy face as they witness and endure violence in Kibera resonate with the way civil unrest in Colombia and Turkey has affected my own family. In both countries, unfair elections, gerrymandering, and government control play roles in stifling citizens’ voices, diminishing hope for change.
Reading about Kennedy’s empathy for both the victims and perpetrators in Kibera reminds me of similar dynamics I’ve seen in both of my cultures. It highlights how people in oppressed communities, often driven to violence by desperation or systemic manipulation, are seen one-dimensionally in the media. Western narratives frequently portray these groups as hopelessly violent, ignoring the societal pressures and injustices pushing people to extreme actions. This feels personal, as both Colombia and Turkey have faced similar stereotypes, with the complexities of their conflicts simplified to fit a global narrative.
Kennedy and Jessica’s story deepens my empathy and makes me think about the resilience of my own family and community. At the same time, it brings up the heavy, cyclical nature of political violence and makes me consider how those who’ve suffered through it still strive for stability, reform, and dignity.
