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Could Ziyal have been a bridge between Cardassian and Bajoran cultures?

Posted: 2019-08-17 06:47pm
by FaxModem1
Over the course of DS9, Ziyal's art career starts to emerge, with it mentioned that she is taking cues from both famous Cardassian artists, and famous Bajoran ones. She even states in Sons and Daughters:
Sons and Daughters wrote:ZIYAL: Vedek Nane taught me to focus intently on the image that I want to evoke, to allow it to fully form in my mind before I even pick up the brush. Well, what do you think?
KIRA: They're very good.
ZIYAL: You think so?
KIRA: They remind me of Vedek Topek's early work.
DUKAT: How ironic. I was about to say that they're similar in style to Nanpart Malor, the founder of the Valonnan school on Cardassia.
ZIYAL: The director of the Cardassian Institute of Art said the same thing.
DUKAT: You spoke with the director?
ZIYAL: I sent him some of my drawings.
DUKAT: You should have told me, Ziyal. I could have arranged for you to meet him in person.
ZIYAL: I know. I wanted to do this on my own. He said I have a real gift. The Institute is having an exhibition of new artists next month. He might want to include my work.
DUKAT: Wonderful!
ZIYAL: It's a chance to show that both Bajorans and Cardassians look at the universe the same way. That's what I want to do with my work, bring people together. I guess it sounds a little silly.
DUKAT: On the contrary, my dear. You're quite eloquent.
So, with Ziyal being a talented artist, and if she had lived through the Dominion War, could she have been that bridge between the two peoples who were enemies for so long?

Re: Could Ziyal have been a bridge between Cardassian and Bajoran cultures?

Posted: 2019-08-17 08:41pm
by Gandalf
The enmity caused by sixty years of colonial oppression won't be solved by the daughter of Gul Dukat painting nice pictures.

Re: Could Ziyal have been a bridge between Cardassian and Bajoran cultures?

Posted: 2019-08-17 11:15pm
by The Romulan Republic
Gandalf wrote: 2019-08-17 08:41pm The enmity caused by sixty years of colonial oppression won't be solved by the daughter of Gul Dukat painting nice pictures.
I don't think anyone's suggesting that she could have resolved all conflict between Cardassians and Bajorans single-handed. I doubt she would have made it worse, though.

Sadly, its a moot point, because Damar had an itchy trigger finger. Which sadly is quite possible what would have happened to her sooner or later anyway. There would have been plenty of other Cardassians, and Bajorans, who would have objected to the existence of a mixed race woman trying to bridge their peoples.

Re: Could Ziyal have been a bridge between Cardassian and Bajoran cultures?

Posted: 2019-08-17 11:17pm
by Solauren
She could have started laying the foundation of that bridge, but she wouldn't be the bridge in of herself.