CHILDREN CREATE CHANGE
©2024 Daarvak Publishing House
Daarvak Literature Department (DLiD)
Project Manager: Amin S.Najafabadi
Project Coordinator: Behnam Raeesian
Literary Editor: Dr. Neda Farnia
Project Consultant: Prof. Roberta Seelinger Trites
Translator: Mostafa Narimani
Forewords: Teresa Sdralevich, Prof. Patrick Lichty, Prof. Scott Laserow, Dr. Davood Khazaie
Printed in Germany
ISBN: 9783911036085
Patrick Lichty
According to the University of Rochester Medical School, over 50 percent of our brain is dedicated to sight. Thus, over half of our perception of reality is based on the images, symbols, and ideas presented to us daily by being in the world and the messages we send to each other through visual communication. Visual communication can present ideas, concepts, and narratives. So much of that communication is emotional in nature. That is when one human communicates with another by exchanging symbols to touch another’s heart. Emotional memories are the most vivid and linger with us more strongly due to processes in the brain.
While this rather academic discussion of the power of emotional images may seem detached, it lies at the core of our affective appeals to one another through media, print, and design. It would also be safe to say that this idea, through the lens of human creativity, would translate to creatives with empathy advocating against the injustices in the world, to «be the change you want to see in the world,» as put forth by Mahatma Gandhi. The light of compassion put forth by designers advocating the rights of children and the less fortunate exemplifies the lofty goals that we as a species should seek to accomplish. And we, as visual creatures, when touched by these symbols of justice and compassion, would want to see these images of the world be reality, even though these are aspirations.
As Charlie Chaplin once said, «We all want to help each other… human beings are like that.» In these times when less generous souls seem to speak more loudly, the voices and images that show humanity’s better side are crucial to our well-being and survival. I believe in the power of creatives, painters, filmmakers, and designers to champion our better side and urge for empathy for the underprivileged and oppressed.
This volume of work, a collection of calls for compassion, action, and empathy, can inspire our better sides to act. Designers and artists who present a visual ideal for humanity, nature, and the world offer us a sense of hope and a way forward. It’s in this way that I am honored to have been asked to write this set of brief notes, and I hope it sparks a desire to create a world we would all want more to be a part of.
Prof.. Patrick Lichty
June 2024
