Document 5 Catalonia is a region of northeastern Spain, whose capital and largest city is Barcelona. The people in Catalonia speak Catalan as well as Spanish and have a culture and history that is distinct from other parts of the country. Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain, which means that it is a part of the country of Spain but has the right to self-government in most of its affairs. On October 1, 2017, Catalans who support separation voted to secede from Spain. Many who opposed separation did not participate in the vote. The Spanish government declared the vote illegal and sent riot police to the region to stop it. Violence broke out between police and protestors which led to hundreds of injuries. Catalonian leaders were forced to leave Spain or face arrest. On October 1, 2018, Catalan separatists again took to the streets in protest. In 2018 according to a National Public Radio report, Catalonia’s President Quim Torra stated, “The First of October is and will always be the day the Catalan people demonstrated their immense commitment to democracy and freedom . . . A year ago, the Spanish state repressed such a basic right as the right to self-determination and also freedom of expression.” He added, “The October 1 vote is the seed of the republic." Photo of a clash between protestors and police during the Catalan independence referendum on October 1, 2017.
Mandela needs to say these things to show gratitude, unity, and determination in the struggle against apartheid, as well as to call for continued efforts towards democracy and racial harmony in South Africa.
Human Rights Violations/Oppression
Source: “‘Illegal’ Independence Referendum Turns Violent As Police and Pro-Separatists Clash,” by Amy Held, National Public Radio October 1, 2017; “Catalonia Erupts in Renewed Protests One Year After Independence Vote” by Colin Dwyer, National Public Radio, October 1, 2018. Answer the questions below based on information you can gather from the source, and your knowledge of social studies.
possible enduring issue: Possible Enduring Issues for this Unit: Enduring IssueDefinition/Effect Impact of ColonizationDefinition: Colonization is the process of establishing control over the indigenous people of an area. Effects: conflicting worldviews, maintaining cultural identity, maintaining ethnic identity, loss of cultural identity, loss of ethnic identity, loss of traditions, challenges to religious practices, loss of political control Impact of Decolonization/Resistance Definition: Undoing the process of colonialism. Effects: managing change, resistance, response to resistance, resentment, exploitation, segregation, discrimination, disputes, conflict, threats to a culture as a result of being conquered Environment/Pillaging Resources due to Colonial Exploitation Definition: Using the environment for resources can have an effect on the environment, and therefore on the native people of the area Effects: Lack of resources due to overexploitation, challenge of securing resources, lack of access to resources for native people Human Rights Violations/Oppression Definition: Unjust or cruel treatment, that breaks what is considered “morally right” in the treatment of humans. Effects: injustice, inequality, discrimination, exclusion, unfair treatment, cruel treatment, persecution for beliefs, threats to cultural identity, restrictions to movement, enslavement, human trafficking, disenfranchisement, lack of freedom of speech, lack of freedom of assembly, lack of freedom of press, censorship, genocide, denied access to earning a living Nationalism/Right to Self Government Definition: Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests Effects: secession, demand for a shift in the boundaries, reaction to new boundaries, citizenship/what does it mean to belong/what does it mean not to belong, force of unification, force of division, development of national cohesion, dissolution of national cohesion, lack of national cohesion, emergence of separatism, use of terrorism, manipulation of nationalistic feelings/ultra-nationalism, manipulation of belief systems to incite conflict
1. What is the enduring issue evident in the situation described in the document?
- The enduring issue evident in the situation described in the document is Human Rights Violations/Oppression. This is highlighted by the violent clash between police and protestors during the Catalan independence referendum, as well as the repression of the right to self-determination and freedom of expression by the Spanish government.
2. How does the situation in Catalonia relate to the enduring issue identified?
- The situation in Catalonia relates to the enduring issue of Human Rights Violations/Oppression as it involves unjust and cruel treatment, as well as a denial of basic rights such as the right to self-determination and freedom of expression. The actions taken by the Spanish government, including the use of riot police and the repression of the voting process, serve as examples of oppression and injustice faced by the Catalan people.
3. What impact does the enduring issue have on society as a whole?
- The enduring issue of Human Rights Violations/Oppression has a significant impact on society as a whole, as it can lead to injustice, inequality, discrimination, exclusion, and other negative consequences. In the case of Catalonia, the denial of basic rights and the use of force by the government have resulted in tensions, conflicts, and a divide within society. It also raises questions about democracy, freedom, and the right to self-governance.
4. How can addressing the enduring issue lead to positive change in society?
- Addressing the enduring issue of Human Rights Violations/Oppression can lead to positive change in society by promoting justice, equality, and fairness. By ensuring that basic rights are respected and protected, societies can prevent conflicts, promote harmony, and uphold the values of democracy and human rights. In the case of Catalonia, addressing the issue of oppression can help in building a more inclusive and democratic society where the rights of all individuals are respected and upheld.