Just Artists

Actively Living Where We Live

‘Culture is the essence of national identity, the bedrock of national sovereignty and pride.’
(Canadian Government)

Culture creates and identifies our values as a society, yet we don’t seem to be connecting the effects of culture on our families, our parenting, our health, our environment, our lack of understanding key issues and complex world events. The role of culture is vitally important, not only to what we are investing in now, but how these values will affect our future.
Our understanding of fairly straightforward information, like the connection between the epidemic onset of type 2-childhood diabetes/childhood obesity and diet is dismal. We stare blindly at each other in confusion wondering what’s happening amazed and utterly confused by the logical outcome of our actions.
I believe the quote from the Canadian government reflects an era many of us have never known. In our lifetime mass-produced pop culture has become the predominant cultural force shaping our values and beliefs, here at home and around the world. It’s everywhere and comes from nowhere.
If we’re nothing more than passengers on the ship of popular opinion, who is steering…or are we simply blown to and fro by the winds of change? At a conference at the U. of W. media representatives claimed to be playing no active role in the oversimplification of complex issues facing Canadians. They responded to queries from the audience by saying they are simply reflecting the wants and desires of their viewers and readership. But if the readers and viewers can’t choose a 10-minute news story over a 30 second story, the media can’t honestly say they’re reflecting our values…we’ve never had an opportunity to express them.
If we have created a culture where our educators, entertainers, politicians, writers and reporters all play to the lowest common denominator, who will challenge the citizenry to reach higher, or dig deeper…pop singers and movie stars? God help us all.
We are faced with increasingly complex issues that are affecting our future whether we understand them or not. From the impact of genetically modified foods on the environment and the physiological affects on our bodies, to stem cell research and the protection of human rights and freedoms around the world. Opportunities for meaningful dialogue and discussion have to be reclaimed and rediscovered; this is within reach of each and every one of us. We’ve got to start actively living where we live, take responsibility for the foreseeable consequences of our actions and encourage others around us to do the same.
It can be as revolutionary as choosing to eat a healthy meal or having a conversation with your kid, getting to know your neighbor or volunteering in your community. If your primary consideration is “what’s the return; what do I get out of it?” Consider it an investment in your future and the future of those you love. Many investments…specifically those with the biggest returns, don’t actually pay out for 10, 20 or 30 years.