I went to the State Theatre yesterday, but was not there to watch a movie. Rather, I was there to watch short films, inspirational speakers, and a few others things from around the world. Pangea Day (visit the website at http://www.pangeaday.org for a recap) brought so many things to my attention. The main theme was cultural universals - things present in all cultures. We all experience happiness, sorrow, coming of age, love, among hundreds of other things. It's amazing to truly see different cultures, ones I may never come in contact with, and know they experience the same things I do in my small town.
Now, I have been aware that these universals exist, as I have studied Carl Jung (collective unconscious, archetypes, etc) in the past. It's amazing stuff, stuff we could all learn from. A lot of our current global issues revolve around emphasizing the differences - culture clash - between us. However, in all reality, we are much more alike than we originally think. And to know individuals in Iraq, India, South Africa, and Darfur Refugee Camps, for instance, could be just like myself, is quite an intriguing thought.
The goal of Pangea Day was not to cause great change instantly through these short films. Rather, the goal was to raise awareness in individuals around the world about how global issues are affecting people from around the world. According to the website, "...people from everywhere tuned in to watch the live broadcast in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro and grassroots events flourished in cities, communities, and private homes." And as I watched the films featured during this event, I not only got to experience them, but I also got to see peoples reactions in Egypt and India, participated in the first global laugh, and was really opened to how big the world really is.
So much is going on. So much could be changed. I hope Pangea Day was just the beginning, and I hope it truly inspires change in millions around the world.
If you were not a part of Pangea Day, I highly encourage you to check out the website, view some of the videos, and discuss what you see. (Once again, http://www.pangeaday.org)
