quote:
Originally posted by huma:
Well said Silver Cheetah,I beleive you just hit the proverbial nail right square on the head.
Thanks huma! What we need is a more positive activism. Rather than focusing on the problems, use them as the launch pad to creative new solutions. There is a tendency (I do it too! especially when feeling downhearted) to focus down really hard on the negativity of what's going on, which brings everyone down, including the person doing the focusing.
I read a great book called Imagining America in the 21st century (or something like that), which was very visionary indeed. It left me with a feeling of hope for the future, rather than fear and dread at what is happening.
There are several groups in Britain who are quite good that way. They use creativity and humour rather than anger and despair to raise awareness and get people involved in change. I think many of the various 'change the world' type movements are beginning to wake up to the fact that a different approach might be better.
It's difficult though. You run the risk of glossing over what the current state of affairs is to present an ultra positive alternative, and it could all end up sounding like just another improbable advert for the 'great future' brand if care is not taken. Also, we run the risk of people saying, well, that doesn't seem so bad, why bother? Like how do you get people to act without shocking the pants off of them? (with the consequent negative effects that I already went into above...)
Fine lines, eh?