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Title: Back to the Future/Project Happiness
Location:
Global
Categories: Culture
Human Rights
Citizen Journalism
Culture
Child & Youth Rights
Status:
In Progress
Timeline:
Ongoing
Description:
When looking at the last century I see several important changes. On the one hand, I have seen an amazing amount of improvement and reform, in the areas of globalization, education, multi-nationalism, as well as gender and racial rights.
However, I have noticed some detrimental things as well. Society as a whole has begun to turn more negative, and has lost the sense of innocence and optimism that it had before. In many people, primarily youth, I have noticed a lack of courtesy, respect, manners, and hope for the future, that had been so vivid before. It is reflected in obscene movies, violent video games, and most disturbing, music. The music industry has progressively grown more negative, with constant swearing, yelling, and general anger in its songs. Even though many of these songs express what is actually going on in the world, the impact of the lyrics that many of these songs has, is devastating to a young persons view on the world. Keep in mind that when I talk about the earlier decades, I am talking pre-1960, before the Vietnam War.
The music and attitudes found in the first half of the 20th century were much more positive. Artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bing Crosby, and Tony Bennett were among the most popular, and had a very positive impact on society. Remember that young people have always seen performing artists as role models, because of their high visibility, and the character that these artists display, is often used as a blueprint for their own behavior.
My goal is not to eliminate other forms of music, but to create a more positive focus within society. However, I do think that many songs should be censored, to an extent, particularly when those songs encouraging rape, murder, and drugs. Nevertheless, my idea is about building, not destroying.
When I have spoken with older people on this subject, they have noticed a drastic change between the optimism and values of their youth, and that of today. It is evidenced by the incredible rise in drug use and suicide rates. Depression is rampant, and we need to save our generation from the apathy that affects so many.
However, all of these things, are things that we, as a new generation, have the power to change. Here are just a couple ways I think we can revive the happiness of the earlier decades, without recreating past mistakes:
1. The media is extremely powerful when it comes to social reform. By contracting with Radio, Movie, and Television companies to start airing programs that reflect common values and joy, we can help to affect millions to become happier, better people.
2. The way people live reflects their values and ideals. By contracting with stores, construction companies, and manufacturing corporations, we can help to create positive change in people's daily lives. For example, we could encourage the construction of houses and neighborhoods that are built in a way that encourages interaction with other family members and neighbors. This will create stronger ties within communities.
I would love to hear your comments and ideas, so please, feel free to post them. Thank you for your support.
Michael Cartier
Objectives:
Our project aims to re-create the happiness, values, and respect that previously existed, while maintaining our positive accomplishments.
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