Ongoing Struggles. Anti-Discrimination Work during the Rise of the Far Right
Academic Conference (video recording the opening session available)
Right-wing populist movements dismiss equal opportunity and access to societal resources for marginalized communities at full throttle. Instead, they propagate giving preference to groups constructed as native, cementing systemic inequality, and reinforcing dynamics of institutional racism.
recording available
Where
W. M. Blumenthal Academy,
Klaus Mangold Auditorium
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
(Opposite the Museum)
About the Conference
The conference Ongoing Struggles: Anti-Discrimination Work during the Rise of the Far Right examined developments both in Germany and in other countries and discussed possible counterstrategies: What are the most vital measures to counter structural discrimination and inequality today? What are the particular challenges faced by those active in civil society and politics? And what are the parallels between the German context and others, such as that of the Trump presidency in the USA?
Evening Event: Keynote, Comment, and Podium Discussion
Keynote: Imani Perry “What Lies Underneath: Difficult Histories and the Resurgence of The Far Right”
In her keynote speech, Professor Imani Perry (Princeton University) examined how ideologies that developed in the age of empire are central to the resurgence of the far right in the USA. Perry also presented the US-American Black Lives Matter movement and its struggles for equal rights and against racism. Afterwards, she discussed the contours of an effective equality policy with Juliane Seifert (State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth), Dr. Emilia Roig (Center for Intersectional Justice, Berlin), and Dr. Aleksandra Lewicki (University of Sussex). Moderator: Christine Watty.
Program
Please note that the conference will be held at two different locations.
Thursday, 7 June 2018
7 pm |
WelcomeDr. Yasemin Shooman |
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7.10 pm |
KeynoteWhat Lies Underneath: Difficult Histories and the Resurgence of The Far RightProf. Imani Perry |
7.40 pm |
CommentAnchoring Anti-discrimination, Strengthening Cohesion - The Next Steps in GermanyJuliane Seifert |
7.50 pm |
Panel Discussion(Inter)national Anti-discrimination Work - Taking Stock and Looking AheadJuliane Seifert |
9 pm |
Conclusion of the Event |
Friday, 8 June 2018
9 am |
WelcomeDr. Dietmar Molthagen |
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9.10 am |
DiscussionUsing Equal Rights to Fight the Right – Reports from the Real WorldEffective anti-discrimination work targets structural inequality, raises public awareness, and creates a space for the self-empowerment of the affected people. Given the rightward shift in society, we must identify the new perspectives and the challenges that need to be overcome. What experiences are practical projects having? Where do they see the need for action? |
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10.15 am |
Morning Activities: Parallel Workshops1) Strategic Litigation and Anti-Discrimination LawsuitsStrategic anti-discrimination lawsuits aim for a progressive interpretation of the law, but how do they differ from other types of lawsuits? What impact have they had on anti-discrimination legislation in Europe so far? And how can an intersectional perspective enrich strategic litigation? 2) Impetus from the LGBTI Movement – Building Anti-Discrimination NetworksThe LGBTI movements have scored many successes in their fight for legal equality. How have they managed to gain acceptance and strengthen their position in mainstream society and the various minority communities? In what way can their experiences inspire other forms of anti-discrimination work? 3) Taking Anti-Discrimination Strategies to the Next LevelThe current political climate raises the question of whether anti-discrimination work is particularly endangered today. Are new strategies necessary to fight structural inequality and racism? If so, which ones? Could it be that the rightward shift in society is creating new scope for the self-empowerment and equal participation of the marginalized groups, taking us beyond paternalistic approaches? 4) A Crash Course in RealpolitikPolitical leaders are adopting and strengthening anti-discrimination legislation. How can anti-discriminatory action in civil society be translated into political action? And, conversely, how does the political discourse influence this work? What places of exchange and forms of cooperation between public authorities and civil society have proven successful? |
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12 noon |
Lunch |
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1 pm |
Afternoon Activities: Parallel WorkshopsRepetition of the Morning Workshops |
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2.45 pm |
Coffee Break | |
3 pm |
Commentary: What’s Next?Bernhard Franke | |
3.15 pm |
Final Discussion
Working Together for More Participatory Opportunities and Legal Equality: Next StepsBernhard Franke | |
4 pm |
End of the conference |
Partners
In collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Center for Intersectional Justice (CIJ).
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