Blog Post 2: “How the Better Lives themes might change how you work in the future”
For this blog post we are supposed to reflect on the way how Better Lives themes will change our future work, meanwhile the worldwide situation makes me reflect on what might future bring and how will the world change.
It is interesting to consider the subject of diversity in time of a crisis that affects everyone regardless of their gender, sexuality, nationality, race…. I truly believe that this might be a critical point for many people and it might connect us more than ever. After those two months of quarantine I have realised that the amount of stress that we are all under at the moment might change our perspectives, desires and even hobbies. Some of us might end up changing the way they perceive their workplace, some might even need to find a different job. When it comes to my personal point of view, I never believed in judging people regarding only the ‘labels’ they represent. It might seem a cliché, but for me someone’s race, country of origin, age, gender or any other data that is written in their passport or personal ID, it does not define who they are. Before I came to the University of the Arts in London, I was surrounded by people with similar labels to mines: Polish, white, woman or man, heterosexual,… There was only one thing that made me different- I had an adopted brother, who’s biological parents were Gypsy Romanians. The moment he came to our family changed my perspectives more than anything else I have experienced. His otherness opened my eyes and it was only when I met this little child that I noticed how closed the world I grew up in. I have decided then that I will never judge anyone who looks or seems different than what I am used to.
Taking the theme of social responsibility into consideration, I am fully convinced that this period of confrontation with the corona virus will prove how people in the face of danger cooperate with each other, take responsibility for each other. Having said that, it is important to underline that I have noticed a certain pattern in the behaviour of people I know. Namely, it is only at the moment of danger that they begin to take care of each other and appreciate their company. I consider this phenomenon as fruitful and hope it will continue after the epidemic.
The Better lives unit drew my attention to something I did not consider before- sustainability. During the briefing lecture by Nick Almond, Sheldon Chow & Nina Stevenson, ‘Sustainability Intro’, sustainable development was defined as:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
~ Brundtland Report, 1987
What I remembered from that is a sense of responsibility for the environment that I live in. In addition, it made me realise to what extend do humans use the natural resources and at the same time we produce materials that are not biodegradable. Which is devastating for the environment, I realise now that as an adult I should be an example of how to live in a more sustainable way and as a make-up artist it might be beneficial to promote this kind of ecological behaviours.
References
Almond, N., Chow, S., Stevenson, N. (2020) ‘Briefing: Sustainability Intro’, London College of Fashion
8th May 2020 @ 5:14 pm
When browsing the SMC blog page to pick a post to respond to, Zuzanna’s reflections on how the Better Lives themes have impacted her work caught my eye. In her first paragraph she explores the unique social context we are now experiencing, and how it may trigger changing attitudes and perspectives as we all learn to appreciate what we are now going without. Her interest in the impact this pandemic will have on society and its behaviours I felt was a really interesting take on the blog task, and immediately captured my attention and inspired my own reflections on the topic. I do agree that this situation has definitely encouraged us to value and seek out connection, relying on it more now than ever to feel normal in a very abnormal time. I am definitely also intrigued to see how things play out afterwards, and if there is any significant change in society.
I also really related to what Zuzanna said about coming from a place with very little diversity compared to the variety of cultures and identities in London. I grew up in a very white, middle class area, and went to a Church of England school. It wasn’t really until I moved away at 17 that I was introduced to other ways of life – I had lived vicariously through the internet until then. It was a really poignant reflection Zuzanna made that through her adopted sibling she felt her perspectives changed, and that she made a conscious choice to be open and accepting of all others she encounters. That’s a beautiful mindset, and something we definitely all need to have to move forward as a society.
Touching upon social responsibility, again it was a really relevant point she made about how this period has encouraged people to take responsibility for one another. We have seen this everywhere, with communities setting up food deliveries for high risk individuals who can’t leave, and people making PPE at home to send to hospitals. I think this more local definition of social responsibility is a real positive to come out of this pandemic, inspiring selflessness and a ‘togetherness’ that was maybe lacking before.
Reading that this unit has opened up this issue of Sustainability to Zuzanna was really amazing. As I’ve mentioned in my previous posts, I feel like sustainability is possibly the most important issue we as a generation have to face, as if we continue destroying our planet then there is no future for anyone. Its inspiring to hear that she feels motivated to try and make sustainable choices in her lifestyle and work, as that is what we should all be doing and this goes to show that if we put the information out there people will respond to it.
Overall I think Zuzanna explored the themes really effectively – I would only like to read more about her response to the sustainability topic, and how she thinks these issues will not just affect society but her own personal work too.