Artist Profile: Banksy

Although his true identity remains unknown to the general public, international artist of mystery Banksy continues to surprise us. Labeled anti-capitalist, anti-government, and pacifistic, Banksy uses striking paradoxes to make the viewer question the status quo. Originally hailing from Bristol, England, his work is on display on walls around the world, from the UK to Palestine. His acclaimed film, Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010), gives the audience a glimpse into the life of a street artist. Although throughout the film Banksy's image is shadowed and his voice is distorted to preserve his identity, it's still cool to know he is active in promoting street art and expression through several modes of media. Can't get enough? Check out Banksy's gallery as collected by the BBC.

I Wanna Be A Billionaire...

You have to try this. The Global Rich List is a one-two punch: a game that gives internet surfers a solid dose of reality. While it doesn't account for cost of living, this project definitively achieves its main goal: to make the user aware of the stark reality of global income inequality. In their own words: "We wanted to do something which would help people understand, in real terms, where they stand globally. And make us realise that in fact most of us (who are able to view this web page) are in the privileged minority."

Income inequality is widening, according to to United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Association (ILO). While the recent recession has caused many middle and upper class families to curb their spending, many lower class and impoverished families have suffered significant financial repercussions. In their 2008 World of Work study, the ILO found strong correlations between recent job losses and unequal resource allocation, noting that “rising income inequality represents a danger to the social fabric as well as economic efficiency when it becomes excessive.” The ILO concluded that structural assistance to promote incentives for work, study, and investment will be needed to address social and economic challenges.

For our economist and statistician friends, this study conducted by Branko Milanovic from the Carnegie Endowment is a good methodological approach for measuring income inequality. In this study, Milanovic explains the benefits and drawbacks of using GINI coefficient, GDP, GDI, and PPP, as indicators to determine quality of life for specified populations.

Finally, for the humanitarian in all of us, this article by Global Issues highlights in black-and-white statistics just how privileged we are. Over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day. That is almost half of the world. Moving forward into the 21st century, we cannot afford, financially or socially, to allow half of the planet to be economically marginalized. Groups such as ONE, CARE, and UNICEF are already working to address these issues. However, they have a big fight to win, and need growing support. We, as the privileged minority, need to advocate and work to bring our impoverished friends to financial sustainability. Their future depends on it.

Movie Review: Paper Clips

This documentary features the Paper Clip Project begun in 1998 by Whitwell Middle School in Whitwell, Tennessee. This incredible story began when Principal Linda Hooper asked Language Arts instructor Sandra Roberts to create an afterschool program teaching eighth graders about the Holocaust. She wanted to show her students, who came from a rural, mostly white community of 1,600 people, that tolerance and diversity were valuable assets to any community. The students quickly became overwhelmed by the enormity of the Holocaust, and wanted to collect an item so they could capture the concept of the loss of 6 million Jewish souls. They decided on paperclips, as they were worn in Norway during World War II to symbolize community unity and resistance against the Nazi occupation. As word of their project spread to the Washington Post and to NBC, hundreds of thousands of paperclips poured into their school from people all over the world. Notable paper clip donors include: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Bill Cosby, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Tom Bosley. The students eventually collected over 30 million paper clips- five times their original goal. With the help of their community volunteers and several generous donors, they were able to obtain a German railcar used to transport Jews to concentration camps. They used this car to create a memorial to the 11 million people who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The railcar holds 11 million paper clips, along with several special mementos, and is situated in a garden surrounded by symbolic art. Whitwell maintains the memorial through educational outreach efforts.

This film exemplifies excellence in community peacebuilding. Throughout the film, the individuals involved with the Paper Clip project openly shared their feelings, impressions, and realizations. Watching the characters grow as a result of their efforts and interactions with those personally affected by the genocide was a humbling and emotional process. Linda Hooper continuously stressed the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and community. The domestic and international support of the project was staggering; Germans, Jews, Americans, survivors, their families, along with many others contributed letters, stories, photos, donations, and emotional support to the kids at Whitwell. I was particularly struck by one student who mentioned toward the end of the film, "Look what we accomplished here in Whitwell. Just think, if people all over the world wanted to, imagine what they could do." All in all, 'Paper Clips' is an inspirational human story captured in a well-rounded documentary that allowed the audience to grow and experience the Paper Clip project with Whitwell.

For more information on the Paper Clip Project, click on the title of this blog, or go here: http://69.8.250.59/homepage_pc.cfm?id=78.

Welcome Post

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Peace Report! As an avid peace enthusiast, I have created this blog in an effort to bring to light international efforts to promote tolerance and collaboration. I hope to inspire productive discussion, so please contribute your opinions, links, photos, and any items that have affected you. Tune in and check out the latest peace news, and let us know what you think!

Peace.