Pop Culture & Social Change
Submitted by jaz on February 21, 2009 - 9:32am.
Art
I'm participating through my drumming group in a program in the inner-city schools in the Boston area. We're doing drumming workshops, but also trying to think of other workshops to do with teenagers. I'll take any suggestions :-) But coincidentally (or maybe not :-) there was article in the paper today about a local program that uses, hip-hop and music videos and other pop culture directed primarily at teens, and tries to get them thinking about how to use pop culture as a vehicle for social change. It's called "Project: Think Different"--and though it's local to me I thought I'd link 'cause it just seemed a very cool way of playing with stories and there might be similar things in other areas of the country. Or I'm sure one could adopt some of these strategies elsewhere.
» login to post comments | 302 reads
Participant.Net
"Participant believes that a good story well told can truly make a difference in how one sees the world. Whether it is a feature film, documentary or other form of media, Participant exists to tell compelling, entertaining stories that also create awareness of the real issues that shape our lives.
The company seeks to entertain audiences first, then to invite them to participate in making a difference. To facilitate this, Participant creates specific social action campaigns for each film and documentary designed to give a voice to issues that resonate in the films."
I saw "The Visitor" (which was an incredibly good film)--which was being paired by Amnesty International with immigration issues (they're organizing a march here soon). Here's the link to Participant Productions. Just one warning--if you click on particular films and don't want them spoiled--don't read the synopsis as it pretty much gives away the entire plot.