The new People of Change logo is officially completed. Three elements were taken into consideration in the process of creation: the environment, humanity and globalization. Indeed, these three elements are fundamental parts of the project itself.
In a world demarked by the recession of boundaries (through the advance of new media and other forms of communication), globalization must be used for the benefit of the entire global community. The exchange of information is a valuable form to spread positive changes among populations. Hence, unique approaches to environmental and humanitarian challenges should be documented and further utilized as exemplary solutions.
In regards to the logo itself, the environment is represented by a reference to the recycling symbol: three arrows surrounding the globe. Furthermore, those three circles (with arrows on both sides) vaguely denote humanity – a subtle suggestion to humans hugging planet Earth. Globalization, hence, is clearly embodied by the globe itself.
And in such globalized existence, several events occur simultaneously while I make the final preparations for my departure. Currently, I am in the hospital accompanying my father. After a severe backache, he was brought in for exams and eventual treatment. Contrastingly, on the other side of the Equator, an earthquake has devastated Haiti. Much of the population does not have access to hospitals or any sort of assistance – authorities are already calculating 100,000 deaths.
Several innocent and good people died in this demonstration of nature’s power – and human failure. Indeed, Haiti is an example of globalization put to bad use. This Caribbean country has been on the news for several years, mostly because of its alarming poverty rates and constant political conflicts. The UN and several other international institutions tried to alleviate such tension through the implementation of peace missions and voluntary work. Although some results were obtained, around 80% of the population still remained under poverty levels.
As a consequence, improper and fragile buildings were constructed. Though I have never been to Haiti (and have never met any Haitian for that matter), I felt guilty. I felt guilty because I was complacent with the facts and never tried to change such reality. Maybe it was not my responsibility but in this day and age, if we want to see changes, we must take matter into our own hands.
And as I stare at my dad comfortably resting in his hospital bed, globalization takes on an entire different meaning. His betterment has only been possible because of the international exchange of information: medications, medical treatments, health solutions – similar health cases happening in different parts of the globe, all leading to the invention of one common medical language.
Ideally, globalization will indeed lead to this universal sharing of information; thus, reaching all parts of the globe and consequently improving the overall quality of life. However, if not used for the appropriate matters (like the prevention of disasters), than globalization remains an overseen and disconnected element of our present reality. Just like Haiti.
For more information:
http://www.theirc.org/crisis-haiti
Logo created by Jose Antonio Maciel