I’ve been watching lots of great videos lately–all entries to the Democracy Video Challenge that CIPE, the Dept of State and a number of democracy, youth, and film groups sponsor. This year’s entries offer some great insights into how democracy is viewed and discussed around the world. It’s a diverse opinion, sometimes humorous and sometimes poignant. The Polish entry using toilet paper as a motif made me laugh with memories of Crepto from my Hungary days. There are so many I’d like to highlight, but I’ll restrain myself and pick two for now–come to the Hirshhorn tonight to see more! We’ll be in the Ring Auditorium at 8:00 p.m.
This entry from Iran is powerful, and like many from countries that want more democracy, it defines democracy by what it is not–all the bad that they’ve experienced:
ATTN Mr. Democrat (DVC entry)
The second one I’d highlight is from Nigeria. In this case I wonder if what I see is what the artist intended. This guy is shouting in a market about democracy. He’s saying good stuff, but no one seems to be listening, continuing to take care of their basic food shopping. To me, this is what we as democracy organizations do not want to be, and it’s why we at CIPE talk a lot about Democracy That Delivers. We believe democracy must resonate in the daily lives of citizens, otherwise it becomes divorced from and meaningless to their lives.
Democratic Paradigm (DVC entry)
There’s lots more to talk about, and some amazing entires you’ll want to see on a big screen. Hope to see you tonight!
Published Date: April 29, 2010