I would like to propose a new genre for the galleries.... 'social commentry'. What thinkest thou? Jack

Hi Jack, Thank you for the suggestion. There is already a "World Events/Politics" genre. In what way would a "social commentry" genre differ? Just curious what you have in mind. LillianH Renderosity Admin.

Hmmm not really sure. What triggered the suggestion was a pic I'm working on. While researching costume I got engrossed in the child labour situation in England in the early half of the 19th century. I suppose, therefore, I was thinking more in an historical context. However, contempory issues could include gangs, poverty, drug use, sweat shops and third world deprivation. Shrugs 'World Event/Politics just seems like too wide a brush. Jack

Politics seems to involve leaders... kings and presidents and dictators... as well as the bureaucracy needed to keep people in power. World events can include drought or disease but is usually seen on a global or massive scale, and usually is something sudden and newsworthy. A war or meteor strike would be a world event. An event is different from a condition: living underwater like mermaids is different from a flashflood drowning the gulf states. I suspect that what lemur01 has in mind are the long-term quiet personal social issues such as lack of education or grinding poverty which don't usually make the news but which underly a lot of the conditions which do result in what are often deadly outbreaks later. For example: some people with no education listen to preachers and become jihadists, some people with no jobs may riot and bring down a government, some people with no sanitation or health coverage might die by the thousands to flu or malaria or diarrhea. But nobody pays attention when it is just a woman raising a passel of kids alone or a farmer agonizing over the dustbed which he'd planted in wheat. The face of a boy sent to the coal mines instead of school can be a telling social document. (I'm wondering if he is using "The Cry of the Children" as an inspiration?) These don't always have to be desperate or gritty! A street filled with little white houses and perfectly trimmed lawns is also a social statement, as is a hilltop covered in ticky-tacky, pink flamingos, and new owners. Carolly

Got it in one Carolly.... Wish I had your words. Jack

and if I could afford a digital cam I could populate that gallery with horrific scenes. from here in Vancouver BC Canada. not even a "third world" country. one of the g8 I think.

Well put Carolly. Given the insight, I'll check on it and see what I can do. Thanks, Lillian

Thanks... I try. The historical or foreign context is easier because we have enough emotional distance to see the larger picture. Someone living in suburbia manicuring their lawn wouldn't see themselves in a social context. I've actually watched a neighbor on her knees culling the dichondra from her grass so that nothing would disturb the green carpet effect. It might not be the same worship as we'd find in a mosque... or would it? We bind ourselves with rituals and rules. Sting wrote a song about flanders poppies and opium poppies and the blood of young men... dying for what? That was maybe a decade ago, but with the war in Afghanistan and the increase in poppy-growing, the image of addicts shooting up in doorways is horribly relevant again. As artists we can see the connections and comment through our art... and maybe reach some of the viewers. Carolly

I wanted to follow up on this request. We were thinking about combining this subject matter and your requested genre with that of "World events/Politics". We could update that gallery name to "World Events/Social Commentary". This would help to keep the number of genres down, as we have so many already. If this proposal will meet the need, then I will proceed. Thanks, Lillian

Sounds great to me Lillian, thanks very much. (Goes away a happy bunny) :) Jack

Cool...happy bunnies are a good thing! I'll take care of the update shortly. Thanks, Lillian

"World Events/Politics" has been updated to "World Events/Social Commentary". This will allow a broader spectrum of images based on world and social themes to be posted within this genre. It is now ready for your posting pleasure! Best wishes, Lillian

Sounds great! Thanks for expanding the field.