I recently discovered through tumblr a project known as Homeward Bound, which is affiliated with Woodgreen Foundation and is a part of United Way Toronto. This particular project focuses on the life of single mothers struggling with poverty, and suggests giving these women’s problems the proper representation and time.
I think these magazine manipulations are powerful, because a significant portion of society does care about celebrity gossip and tabloid news. I think this campaign cleverly critiques our society’s obsession with the wealthy and famous and flips this consumption of popular culture on its head.
No doubt if we were exposed to the reality of poverty on a daily basis as we waited in lines at the grocery store where our eyes inevitably wander, we as a society would be much more enraged about the problem.
[For more examples of the campaign’s pictures, click here: (w) (x) (y) (z).]
I think that our society needs to be more aware. We care too much about when the next iPhone is coming out or what celebrity drama is going around. This campiagn is a great tool to make people aware of the suffering that is around them. It is sad but true that some people have no idea how many people are homeless in the the United States let alone the whole world. By becoming advocates for helping the homeless and underprivledged people in poverty we are making a difference.
I agree that as a society we place too much of an emphasis on celebrities and sports. The media sensationalizes stories and shares stories that sell. People often try to escape by reading magazines and watching tv. I am not saying that this is bad, but I am suggesting that there should be more of a balance. If people new more about social problems and did more the world would be a kinder place.