How can we make any impact in our society as individuals who have no power to influence actions and scenarios at a global scale? How can we ever inspire change at a large enough scale to see any improvement?
In these tumultuous times, we might seem insignificant in these larger scenarios. However, in the words of the poet Rumi — “You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop.”
To foster mutual understanding and respect for others, it is essential that we first change our thoughts and find empathy within our own selves, and believe in our individual potential to inspire change in our environments.
It is human nature to attribute blame to our surroundings and circumstances when things go awry in our lives. We often use these situations as excuses to fuel our negative or selfish behaviour. This negativity starts in our thoughts, extends to our words and actions, and is then perpetuated by those affected.
It creates a trickle effect of negative emotions. Why not proactively shift this pattern? Why not consciously make an effort to have a trickle effect of positive and good emotions?
In Buddhism there is a concept that is called'The Oneness of Life and Its Environment', where it states that an individual is not the product of one's environment, rather the environment is a reflection of oneself. While this doesn't excuse broader social injustices and biases faced by individuals in their lives, it also doesn't imply that any injustice or oppression experienced is a reflection of their thoughts or their fault. However, it does suggest that we can alter our reaction to these situations by responding with wisdom and knowledge, thereby improving our own reality.
Time to burst the bubble
If we actively try to create goodness in our lives, change our mental state to that of empathy and kindness, our environment will start to reflect the same, and similarly our good words and deeds will affect those around us.
As stated in an article in the Harvard Business Review titled ‘Why Kindness at work Pays off’ written by Andrew Swinand:
“At an individual level, when you engage in acts of kindness, it boosts serotonin and dopamine — neurotransmitters in the brain that promote feelings of satisfaction and well-being. It also releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. Decades of research support it: Kindness is good for everyone.”
With everyone always centered around their own realities, it is hard to imagine how a person's thoughts and actions can affect others. This safe bubble of our individualistic, self centered thoughts and actions must burst. Intolerant thoughts and mindsets, turn into intolerant words, and those words spread and breed more intolerance in those around you. We have all grown up amidst social biases, and today's youth are still being conditioned to view individuals from different races, cultures, sexual and gender preferences, and religions other than their own, as unequal or unworthy.
"Design can play a more vital role that promotes a new ethic — a responsible and sustainable cultural position — thereby restoring to our lives diversity, meaning and value.”
David Carlson, Make Design Matter
The pressing question arises: how long can we tolerate this cycle of inequality and unworthiness? It is imperative that the voices advocating for equality, tolerance, and peace are not only acknowledged but given a prominent platform, especially in the current times where such values are more crucial than ever.
As designers and creatives, we have the gift of ‘visual voices’, and the ability to amplify a message in ways which can attract mass attention. Recognizing the impact that our work can have on the broader societal fabric is the first step towards fostering a more empathetic and tolerant world.
–Written by Shrishti Vajpai for Fight for Kindness: Posters for Human Kind
If this article resonated with you - consider to join our
Fight For Kindness 2025 Open Call!
Fight For Kindness is a global initiative that promotes the extended values of kindness through typographic posters.
To participate, designers are invited to submit artwork by May 31, 2025 that contains an inspirational headline/message for a more empathic, inclusive and positive world.
Let’s start changing this world together by doing our small part and promoting the values of kindness, respect, community and humanity together.
To participate and get more information
To see the catalogue of works of the previous edition feel free todownload the e-version of the Now More Than Ever 2024 Fight for Kindness Annual book for free
A project by Typecampus / Sponsored by Zetafonts
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