Human Cultures
Globalism is currently working in two distinct ways. One is an attempt to submerge the world into a singular "global" political-economy. Here the corporations that power the markets have the upper hand, and so it is possible to see international architecture that now looks the same everywhere; famous franchises all over the world where the food and coffee is the same; worldwide media that is essentially controlled by six major corporations. This is the standardised, one-size-fits-all model. And I loathe it.
But there is also a countercurrent at work - often referred to as multiculturalism (though I'd rather lose the "-ism"). This is where local cultures are cherished and encouraged. Real difference is acknowledged and relationships through mutual understanding are key to a peaceful community. There are photographers working in this field in Australia right now. Here is some of their work.
From top left we have Shirin Neshat (born Iran 1957) "I am its secret" 1993 from her series "Women of Allah".
In the middle is Zhang Huan (born China 1965) "1/2 Text" where the body is inscribed.
The wonderfully colourful portrait of young African men is by Leonce Agbodjelou (born Benin 1965).
Underneath those are the evocative portraits of Greek mourners by Georgia Metaxas (born Australia 1974).
On the right we have an interesting presentation with a trigger warning. You can read all about it by enlarging this collage. It tells us a great deal about a society that is more offended by the image of a dead worker, than the fact that a real person was murdered.
Human Cultures
Globalism is currently working in two distinct ways. One is an attempt to submerge the world into a singular "global" political-economy. Here the corporations that power the markets have the upper hand, and so it is possible to see international architecture that now looks the same everywhere; famous franchises all over the world where the food and coffee is the same; worldwide media that is essentially controlled by six major corporations. This is the standardised, one-size-fits-all model. And I loathe it.
But there is also a countercurrent at work - often referred to as multiculturalism (though I'd rather lose the "-ism"). This is where local cultures are cherished and encouraged. Real difference is acknowledged and relationships through mutual understanding are key to a peaceful community. There are photographers working in this field in Australia right now. Here is some of their work.
From top left we have Shirin Neshat (born Iran 1957) "I am its secret" 1993 from her series "Women of Allah".
In the middle is Zhang Huan (born China 1965) "1/2 Text" where the body is inscribed.
The wonderfully colourful portrait of young African men is by Leonce Agbodjelou (born Benin 1965).
Underneath those are the evocative portraits of Greek mourners by Georgia Metaxas (born Australia 1974).
On the right we have an interesting presentation with a trigger warning. You can read all about it by enlarging this collage. It tells us a great deal about a society that is more offended by the image of a dead worker, than the fact that a real person was murdered.