Something that has crossed my mind lately:
Within the rapidly developing country of South Africa one asks the question, ‘Where is this country going?’ It is easy to fear the worst since the turbulence of recent world history has lead to the breeding of a mass fear in society (Hattingh 2009:1).
This mass fear is notable in South Africa through cultural divisions and aggressive and violent behaviour, behaviour Li Edelkoort equates to that of a rebellious teenager searching for individual identity within a globalised world (Edelkoort 2008: 25).
It seems as though the list of fears grows daily: climate change; genetically engineered food; food shortage; water scarcity; economic recession (Hattingh 2009:1). Where in the past, world crises have resulted in cautious or prudent trends, such as minimalism (Hattingh 2009:1), contemporary South Africa’s answer to the question ‘Where is this country going?’ resounds with positivity as a decisive, ‘Forward!’. The period in time South African society enters today is marked by the humanistic approach of ubuntu.
It is predicted that South Africa will continue to embrace its ingenuity and creativity to develop solutions that will conquer fears and enhance a distinct and harmonious South African culture (Edelkoort 2008:25). Contemporary South Africa presents the opportunity for individuals to regain a sense of who one is and where one is. Essentially, now is the time for South Africans to live the dreams that will shape tomorrow.
If now is the time for South Africans to embrace individuality; in which ways can a brand, and more importantly, a place, be established so that it is not merely relevant to the country’s development, but meaningful and conducive to progress?
What are your thoughts?
r e f e r e n c e s:
Edelkoort, L. 2008. Neutralising the rainbow. Visi, 39:25
Hattingh, I. (2009, 10 March) Summer 2010 Forecast – Li Edelkoort. Internet:
http://www.ifashion.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id1623&Itemid+237 Access: 05 February 2010
(landscape photography from one league: http://www.oneleague.co.za/details.aspx?nav=0&modelid=48953&careerID=3&slideID=5264 )
I can see the babies grace o grace!
ReplyDeleteHmm exactly, i dont want to do this for the purpose of sole purpose of beauty, but for the soul's purpose. nothing greater to make sense of it all,where disciplines come together to assist, support and keep from falling. falling where? into the hands of selfish love, the kind we rebuke. i love your blog, and tink i will be its greatest fan.. i love you