How To Use Art To Combat Social Issues

Combating social issues would be much more effective if we each used our unique talents.

As I scroll down my twitter timeline, I am guaranteed to stumble across countless posts about social issues and how our rights are being infringed upon. Recently, my attention has diverted to the to the fact that although there are many mediums of expression, people tend to stick to generic ones to express their views. The next question that my mind was begging to get an answer for was: how can we diversify and add our own flavor and uniqueness into in the arena of social and political issues?

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Cartoons!

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They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and most of us do tend to gravitate towards visuals while reading long articles about bigotry or racism. Although there are cartoons circulating the twitter world, there is room for plenty more!

Dance Videos!

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f you have an issue in mind that you want to create awareness about, heading over to the dance studio might be your best option! When you express something you care about through your passion, the effect is bound to multiply. If you still don't believe me, check out this video by Amit Patel that combats hate against the LGBTG+ community! (I mean, how can you NOT fall in love with them!)

Films about Social Issues!

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At some point during your twitter or Facebook adventures you are bound to bump into a short film that one of your peers have created, and I can assure that if the material is powerful enough, you will not be stingy in letting the tears roll! Video has always been a powerful medium, now we can use it to depict issues close to our hearts.

Photography

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If a picture depicting poverty, death, or injustice has not led you on a emotional rollercoaster, I don't really know what to say to you. Pictures have recently jumped to the top of the list of communication methods, so why not take advantage of that! So next time you see anything worth capturing, take a picture and share it with your friends! We often don't realize our own social errors, and when we see someone condemning certain acts, it causes us to be more aware about our actions!

These are just a few ways that we could use art to create social change, but there are so many more talents in the world that could all add to each and every cause! So, next time you have something to say, get out your dance shoes, paint brushes, or cameras!