A Kaleidoscope of Talent— Students Celebrate Peace and Solidary
The advent of the new year brought in a Kaleidoscope event by Club Fearless, Middlesex University’s
public speaking club. Kaleidoscope has a long-established track record of bringing together students
from various fields and enabling their diverse participation in pertinence to the chosen theme. This
February, the theme chosen was ‘Peace and Solidary’. Faaria Sadiq, Club Fearless coordinator, states
that the chosen theme reflected unity and was used as a vehicle to unify all other social clubs. One thing
is for certain, this February’s Kaleidoscope did just that.
For those unable to attend the event, we have a transcribed version of some of the recitals to immerse
you in the event—just add a speck of imagination. RedBeat also got the pleasure of talking to the
performers of the afternoon about their intentions with the pieces they performed.
Gaming Club
Arjun Yadav delivered a speech on “the negative impact of violent video games and the positive
influence of anti-violent games on the younger generation.” Sarah Sebastian made some contributions
to the content of the speech.
“I decided to write a speech on the topic of positive and negative influence of video games as it can be
written to inform the audience about the potential impact that video games can have on individuals and
society, and to encourage thinking about the role of video games in our lives. By highlighting both the
positive and negative aspects of video games, I was hoping the speech could provide a balanced and
nuanced view on the topic, which can help the audience make informed decisions about their
relationship with video games. Additionally, such a speech can also spark discussion and encourage
further research on the topic, leading to a better understanding of the effects of video games.”
Violent video games have been a topic of much debate in recent years. Some argue that they
hurt the younger generation, while others say they can be beneficial in specific ways.
One of the main concerns with violent video games is that they can lead to aggressive behaviour
in children and adolescents. Studies have shown that playing violent video games can increase
aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and decrease prosocial behaviours. Additionally,
violent video games have been linked to desensitisation to violence and an increased
acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflicts. Some studies have found a correlation
between playing violent video games and increased aggression. However, the results of these
studies have been mixed, and other factors such as personality, environment, and upbringing
may also contribute to aggressive behaviour. Excessive gaming has been recognised as a
behavioural addiction by the World Health Organization and can lead to negative consequences such as neglect of personal relationships, responsibilities, and physical health. They also impact
an individual’s moral and ethical judgement due to the influence these games have on children
who are still growing and learning about what’s right and wrong. They can also lead to increased
anxiety and stress.
On the other hand, anti-violent video games can have a positive influence on the younger
generation. These games often promote teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Games such as 2048 and Chain Reaction help with stimulating cognitive abilities. They also
provide a healthy outlet for aggression and can teach children about empathy and the
consequences of their actions. Video games that require fast reflexes and quick movements
have been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time and increase physical
coordination. Multiplayer video games provide opportunities for socialisation and teamwork,
promoting friendship and cooperation. Certain video games have educational components and
have been shown to improve learning outcomes in subjects such as history, science, and
mathematics.
In conclusion, while violent video games can hurt the younger generation, anti-violent games
can have a positive influence. It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of the
content of the games that children are playing and to encourage the playing of games that
promote positive values and behaviours.
Tourism Club
Jannatul Ferdous chose to speak about their motherland, Bangladesh.
“The reason why I spoke about this topic was because I wanted to share a piece of my feeling about how
I see peace and Solidarity in my country. While we are not in a full waged war, everyday is a battle
against societal norms and communal disputes. I have so much hope that it will get better if only we take
a moment to discuss these issues with an open mind and heart and understand one another. The power
of dialogue is the biggest tool we have but it is only useful when the receiving end is willing to accept the
thoughts shared!”
Peace and solidarity are the foundation of a harmonious and thriving society. In Bangladesh, it is
important to strive for peace and unity among all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or
political affiliation. This is crucial for the progress and development of the country.
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, but this diversity can also lead
to conflicts and divisions, which is what is happening in a lot of areas today which don’t get
much attention. In order to build a peaceful society, it is necessary to promote understanding
and tolerance among all groups. This can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns,
and encouraging dialogue between different communities. Bangladesh has the most NGOs in
the world, and most are non-private which dedicate time and effort into creating these
campaigns!
In addition, the government must take a proactive approach in promoting peace and solidarity.
This can include implementing policies and programs that address social, economic, and political
inequalities, and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to justice and opportunities.
Furthermore, it is important to address the root causes of conflicts and violence, such as
poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By addressing these
issues, Bangladesh can create a more just and equitable society, where everyone can live in
peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, peace and solidarity are essential for the progress and development of
Bangladesh. By promoting understanding, tolerance, and addressing the root causes of conflicts,
the country can build a harmonious society where all its citizens can thrive.
Poetry Club
Isra Allana: “I think for me, I was thinking along the lines of solidarity and peace, and obviously started
thinking of associations. The first thing that came to my mind was the colour white, and then the white
flag. And it got me thinking, the symbolism of white flag– truce, why is it an aftermath of war, of
difference, or division? Why do we reach that point and then raise the white flag? What use does the
white flag then signify after differences have been established, hatred is felt, and lives are lost? Is this
really the peace we want?”
Raise the white flag!
But at what cost?
All we’re left is with a faded rag;
For too much is lost;
Before you raise the white flag.
After;
The baggage you drag;
Shackling your aching hands and feet,
Alas, you raised the white flag,
Yet misery is all you meet,
For a white flag is too late an outcome,
You only save yourself the void and the numb.
You see, for when you raise the white flag,
It implies difference, stronger, weaker, them, us, truce.
But what use is a mere truce after you shatter everything and save nothing?
Hollow bodies devoid of spirit, we shake hands devoid of company.
Why raise the white flag?
a burden inevitable you drag,
your spirit a tethered rag.
Why can’t you see?
it hurts to stretch your arm when you raise the white flag,
But it doesn’t hurt to stretch your arm to shake an asking hand,
Two shades darker, three tones lighter; they’re hands, after all.
And the spirit is the same- ascending holy white.
So why reach the point to raise the white flag?
When the souls of each other, just as white, yearn tranquil just as much?
And that’s the only way to live, only ascension to divine peace;
You stretch your arms to shake hands,
It’s time to put down the white flag.
Suzane Mathews: “The word peace comes from the meaning of freedom from disturbance or tranquility
as for me when I saw the theme peace and solidarity it resonated with peace of mind and most
importantly peace with the mind, peace with the past. So to me, it was about the journey of acceptance
and how it is a process that requires time. Hence why I chose the title ‘Peace is time’.”
With a head so busy and racing for time
Peace is time for me
Peace is solitude not solidarity
Yes, it’s time I get to be alone,
and it’s far from being lonely,
Peace is when I Finally feel conscious,
Conscious that I’m breathing-it’s the feeling of being able to sensitize,
it’s the feeling of-
I’m alive I’m conscious of my breathing …
It’s a momentum of highs yet,
it’s that halt,
It’s that take a pause,
Take it slow
It reminds me of the need to stop
Reminding me to stay still and think
To Think only of how much has happened
How much has been done
Yes, it reminds me –
To take a leap of faith, into the future
To believe in solidarity,
To believe in company and in the companionship of others,
It’s a phase that recounts to me my small wins,
It’s a phase that yearns for me to celebrate the struggles,
To think wow, you’re going on
You have come a long way!
To me Peace resonates with acceptance and forgiveness
Yes, Peace is acceptance that comes with time.
Ninoscha Mendoza, whose emotive delivery beckoned our attention: “When the poetry club
coordinators told us about the open mic opportunity for Kaleidoscope, I felt convicted to join simply
because I missed [participating in] open mics. The theme was “peace and solidarity”, and I had no clue
what to write. I found myself in a constant loop of revisions because I did not know how to articulate
what “peace” meant. So, after brain-dumping, I decided to revolve my piece around the idea of what
peace isn’t– of who peace isn’t.”
After years of noise and commotion, I’ve forgotten what peace looked like.
Was peace silence? The absence of noise?
Or, was peace loneliness? The absence of you?
After years of noise and commotion, I’ve forgotten what peace looked like.
But I do know what peace isn’t.
Peace isn’t this constant static,
electrocuting every thought of mine; murdering my voice in my words.
Peace isn’t this lethal weaponsmith,
polishing and sharpening my emotions; until my numbness turns into a knife.
Peace isn’t this crazy, revolutionary scientist who found a way to defy physics.
Demanding gravity and dictating my anxiety to bury me underground.
When did peace become so unattainable, unreachable? When did peace become a luxury?
After years of noise and commotion, I’ve forgotten what peace looked like.
So, maybe, peace is silence; the absence of noise.
And, maybe, peace is loneliness; the absence of you.
And lastly, Raihana Abdul Fatah who astonished us with a poem written in 15 minutes!
Shall I paint a scene,
Somewhere my heart has been.
The spirit and unity of a roaring rugby team,
All marching towards a shared dream.
The bouncing kids at the park,
The sheer joy they spark.
Shall I paint a scene,
Somewhere my soul has been.
A flock of white doves and fields lush green,
A sight to behold and feel serene.
My heart and soul now stirred,
You’re at peace, it whispered.
Hena Babu, one of the event organizers said, “It was my second time being a part of Kaleidoscope. We
chose the theme Peace and solidarity, because it remains to be the need of the hour. We wanted to see
how the theme would be incorporated in each of the activity and we are so happy with the way it
turned out.”
