Us and Them - Living in a Polarized World | Highlight 2024
The world’s increasing complexity is apparently resulting in a growing polarization among people – over issues such as war and peace, dealing with the climate crisis, the gap between rich and poor, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and the right to affordable homes. Are we still capable of adopting other perspectives, or does everything really need to be so irreconcilable? What happens when people explain the background behind their very individual world view, thereby offering an insight into their lives and promoting greater understanding?
Order number 564965 (001-005),
Documentary, 05 x 30 min., Arabic, English, German, Spanish
Us and Them - Living in a Polarized World
Episode synopses:
001
War
The 2003 war against Iraq was based on a lie. The US claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. A war of aggression that the US was never penalized for. How are the people affected by this war faring today? On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a major offensive against Ukraine. This is also a war of aggression in violation of international law. For some observers, this global polarization has its origins in the war in Iraq. British Labour MP and peace activist Andrew Murray says: "Most obviously, the Ukraine invasion takes place in the world the Iraq invasion made. If a 'rules-based order' collapsed, it was in 2003.”
002
Climate
Climate change is real. And it is dangerous. Some people are actively trying to stop it. Others deny or intensify it, or suppress information. Most don’t bother with it at all, and continue to contribute to global warming through their lifestyle. Anja Windl from Germany is a climate activist. In Anja's opinion, politicians, business leaders and the majority of citizens in affluent Germany are all failing to do enough to combat climate change. Some 9,200 kilometers away from Germany, 38-year-old Anto Purnomo takes his boat through the mangrove forests of Langsa, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. He knows about climate change, but he has to feed his family. Taufik Hidayat, on the other hand, is trying to stop the deforestation of the mangroves. He knows how important they are for this coastal region’s people and nature: if sea levels continue to rise due to global warming, the mangroves can at least provide some protection.
003
AI
Will artificial intelligence save us? Or kill us? In Japan, AI promises better lifes for an aging population. But researchers in Silicon Valley are warning of untamable forces being unleashed – and even human extinction. Will artificial intelligence make life better for humans or lead to our downfall? As developers race toward implementing AI in every aspect of our lives, it is already showing promise in areas such as medicine. But what if it is used for nefarious purposes? What are the promises and perils of AI? And who gets to decide how it will be used?
004
Rich & Poor
As societies get more prosperous, more and more people are unable to afford many basic needs. In South Africa and in the UK, Sakhumzi and Liz believe in the virtues of capitalism, whilst Princess and Jamie struggle to make ends meet. Such inequality not only has serious personal consequences, it also poses problems for the general well-being of society, costing billions in damage to the economy, communities, and individuals.
005
Home
Housing is a recognized human right in Mexico and Canada. But it’s also big business and a major source of conflict in many countries around the world. In Mexico City, Mary Paz Ramirez Valenzuela’s days in her home of 20 years are numbered. Her landlords can make more money renting their properties to digital nomads through Airbnb than to locals like Mary Paz. In Vancouver, one of the world’s most desirable – and expensive – places to live, the Indigenous Squamish people are constructing thousands of new apartments. Leader Wilson Williams says the new towers will bring financial security – and housing – for his people, who were driven out of their villages a century ago. But neighbors like Bill Tieleman are campaigning against the towers, even though they admit the city desperately needs more apartments.