Diplomacy of the world has no longer being the formal playing ground for diplomats only. Image of a country is not represented solely by the gallant posture of ambassadors, or, state leaders. Diplomacy requires more now.

There is this old saying in diplomacy that a diplomat was sent abroad to lie for his country. Well, this expression is not that old really, not from the Socrates era or other. In fact, it was coined by Harold Nicholson (1886-1968), a well known British diplomat who wrote a much-read, classic book in international relations, Diplomacy.

In the past, when news and information accessible to everyone were still limited and slow to transfer, deception or not telling the truth might help the construction of a better image. But that was the past that will never return. Now, mostly due to the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT), every part of the world connects. Communication refutes boundaries; information is simply globalized in second. A diplomat telling lies will extremely hurt the credibility---of the person and of the state.

The case even goes further toward the new trend of needing all citizens to become diplomats of their own respective country. While diplomats by profession stay put and do their formal role, citizen diplomacy taking the form of people-to-people contacts can be just as effective. In public sphere, this can be even more influential. Here is where many form of diplomacy can evolve, including through music.




Enough for the theory, will you say? Fine. The thing is, the moment that led me to write this entry is when I listened carefully to the song by a Danish hip-hop band Outlandish: Look Into My Eyes. The lyric is originally a poem written by Gihad Ali, depicting the plight of Palestinian people living under Israel occupation. The song is a loud outcry against Zionism and, including, US policy in the Middle East. And the way the trio Outlandish sings it is really making a giant mark in the heart.

Outlandish is based in Denmark. The personnel of the group, Isam and Waqas, but not Lenny, were born in Denmark but all not Danish by blood. They are Maroccan, Pakistani and Honduran respectively. It is stated at Wiki that the trio are religious, being muslim for Isam and Waqas and Catholic for Lenny. Though from different religions, they show that religions transpire boundaries: if you are telling the truth, you are telling the truth. Outlandish has sung issues relating to the Muslim world as well as other things. Just watch the above clip and read the lyric down below.

There is no doubt that several other artists have also offered their take on global issues, including on the Palestine. Several rap songs on Palestine, for that matter, are even also openly available in YouTube. There we see that the Palestinian plight, while tabled in the UN and negotiated at every political level, is also sung in several languages, including English. You can also listen to this Song of Palestine by the Savage Rose. Or, better if you listen to this cry by a Palestinian little girl---even if you don't understand it verbally, you will feel it.

If only everyone listens!

Labels: diplomacy, Music, World of Islam