On Safe Places
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 16964602 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Diana Gonçalves (0000-0002-7350-8089, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, corresponding author), Tânia Ganito (University of Lisbon) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2024-12-23 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Open Cultural Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2451-3474 • E-ISSN: 2451-3474 |
| Publisher | Walter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1515/culture-2024-0040 |
| OpenAlex | W4405723100 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 6 |
This special issue was designed as a response to several events that have brought the idea of safety, or lack thereof, to the forefront of academic, political, social, and cultural debates.When it was first proposed to Open Cultural Studies, Europe was in upheaval, still grappling with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022 and the images of millions of people, especially women and children, rapidly fleeing the country to seek protection and assistance elsewhere.This scenario, along with the recurring news about the refugee and migrant crisis and the waves of people desperately trying to cross European borders to find asylum, compelled us to reflect on their condition as being "out of place" (Cresswell, 1996).We wanted to consider what kind of safe zones they encounter when crossing borders, when they are not allowed to cross them, or even when they decide to stay.By using (in)voluntary mobility and the hope of a new start as our departing point, we were interested in thinking about circumstances in which the idea of (un)safety is at play.Three contexts came to our minds immediately: First, the COVID-19 pandemic and how it forced people, on the one hand, to isolate and avoid the spreading of the potentially deadly virus under the slogan "stay home, stay safe," on the other hand, to incorporate into their daily routines several practices of social distancing and personal hygiene to mitigate the health crisis and save lives.Second, the technological revolution and how it has drastically changed how people relate to each other communicate, as well as how information is stored and exchanged.A by-product of technological advances and the consequent digitalization of life is, of course, the misuse of technology, which elevates risk for users (sharing personal or sensitive data, identity fraud, hacking activities, corporate espionage, cyberbullying, internet addiction, etc.).Furthermore, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and their dual use as both a threat and an ally also appeared as relevant topics of discussion.AI may bring on several other risks: job losses, bias, data leak and theft, or the application of systems such as facial recognition to normalize mass surveillance and track and monitor minority groups.Simultaneously, it can be used to enhance safety by reducing human error, identifying anomalies and potential hazards, or offering predictive insights, among others.Overall, technology can facilitate life and access to information and entertainment.Cinema, literature, and the arts in general, more accessible than ever with a simple click or tap, offer a welcome distraction to the anxiety of our fast-moving times and function as a sort of refuge from reality.They can also mediate between languages and cultures and, hence, foster the imagination of different scenarios.As a matter of fact, these and other artistic domains might constitute safe places not only for audiences but also for the authors and the participants involved.Creative processes provide enough affect and intimacy to help them cope with identity issues and come to terms with violent events and transforming experiences.Finally, third, the environmental emergency and how it has contributed to a significant shift in the way we understand our place in the world and our relationship with it.In the face of such huge challenges, urban and neo-rural villages and communities, as well as mindful living practices, have (re)emerged across the globe as intentional, sustainable, and regenerative options, providing a sense of safety against the destructive power of extractive industries and fast-paced lifestyles
| Highly cited | No |
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