Introducing the MA Thesis of Lenneke Bolkenbaas.

Available at the website of the Insitute of Network Cultures as a pdf: click here.

University of Amsterdam’s Lenneke Bolkenbaas has researched a Macedonian television series that deals with ethnic differences amongst youngsters in this small Balkan country. Nashe Maalo was produced by Search for Common Ground and was broadcasted from 2000-2005. During this period tensions were rising between Albanians and Macedonians, culminating in a war situation in 2001. By making this television series, Search for Common Ground intended to create dialogues amongst the youth by getting to know each others cultural backgrounds. By creating such exchanges the television makers tried alternative ways of conflict resolution.

In her research Lenneke Bolkenbaas looked at the intended outcomes, with which the makers successfully managed to attract funding. Was it realistic to expect a television series to deliver such an ambitious goal to change the mentality of young audiences? In five chapters Bolkenbaas describes the historical background of the country, the breakup of Yugoslavia and the 2001 conflict and the status of cultural identities that are still determined by ethnic roots. She also looked at the influence of mass media on the development of hate speech and political manipulations. She made a content analysis of the series and discusses the background of the NGO, which is behind this television production. An internal research, conducted on behalf of the NGO, concluded that not all ‘intended outcomes’ were reached. But wasn’t this based on too high expectations? Can’t we expect that there will be a gap between show and reality?

If you would like to contact Lenneke Bolkenbaas, please write to lennekebolkenbaas@hotmail.com.