Continuous Struggle

Language, skin colour, religion, habits – only a few of the reasons for confrontation and aggression all over the world. Xenophobia and racism do not cease to form a part of many a person’s every-day life; agressees and aggressors. ‘Not even’ the social media are the proper platform to overcome. Nor is the continuous internationalisation they incorporate. Even on the contrary: egocentrism and protectionism appear to evolve in proper renaissance. No border can be crossed sufficiently often to overcome. Some may face the questions frequently, some may rest in that simple shadow of ignorance.

Countries, cultures, religions, politics, business, and sport – who can credibly claim to be exempt?! Approaches differ widely, no doubt. Backgrounds and history do, too. Self-perception is centred on the ‘self’. And we still talk of disappearing ‘borders’. Disappearances for an economic goal. Diappearances for a geopolitical interest. Disappearances for the self to shuffle ’round – with an aim or without.

Freedom is a grand and (too) popular word; by far not the solution to it all. And what do we? Proclaim a future based on only a tranch of it: its economic scope. Narrow it all down; all so difficult to understand. Just simplify. So much easier then.

“The struggle continues…” – true not only for Marley’s Babylon. Rather the grander prophecy. A common effort to invest; an effort to live that promised ‘change’. – And a culture to create it.

A way of struggling.
Picture: Jonas Burgheim

Treasured Elects?

 

Gum Election 2012

The culturally connoted and enriched enthusiasm of the 2008 US presidential campaigning seems a distant memory today. Back then graphic designer Shephard Fairey spearheaded the election cult(-ure) with his Obama posters. Four years later not many traces of a comparably grand enthusiasm are perceivable. The inspiration and contribution of creative workers seems to have faded considerably. This may come natural with the profit orientation in popular culture and the perceived decrease in public interest.

Inspired exceptions are very welcome, of course: and while Mitt Romney has been re-enacted to join the Gangnam Style crowd, a few have added some more spice. This can come in various forms. The (card) ‘game of politics’ or more serious encouragements to go out and fulfill civil responsibilities. Sometimes it boils down to road side innovation in 2012 as well: the Gum Election 2012 has been in progress for a number of weeks. A reliable and amusing indicator? Possibly also an example of how direct democratic ways can be rather destructive in style and ask ‘Who sucks the most?’. Anyway, let us wait and see who that may be.

Rock the Vote Roadside Ad

Political Card Games

Shephard Fairey 2008 Poster