Never Free of Suspicion

Abstract

In this article, the author reflects on the personal insights he gained while involved in a 2-year research project at two bilingual-Palestinian/Jewish-schools in Israel. The most salient characteristic of his venture relates to the ongoing sense of suspicion he felt throughout his work. The suspicion (of a civil sort) was shaped at many and different intersections. It could be perceived in meeting with and between all-teachers, parents, children, and investigators. Not surprisingly, it invaded his most private spheres-home, spouse, and past memories. Suspicion seemed to become in those places shaded by national ideology that, in our modern world, is to say all. The article is also a comment on some theoretical and methodological issues relevant to the social sciences today, in particular those dealing with complexities such as identity and culture.