Monday, April 30, 2012

May Day!

By Pam Hadder

Have you noticed that much of the world is on code red - or at least code orange - most of the time? Fiscal constraints, fickle world economies and frenetic electronic communication have combined to mold human behaviours: trigger-happy, indecisive, judgemental, cynical, and aggressive have replaced careful planning and grander visions. Of course, one could argue that the world has always been short of visionaries and high on conflict. 

Imbalances of power, most often erroneously based on gender and cultural elements, have left a legacy of real human carnage.  The message: if you are stronger, faster and more persuasive you can grab more than your share of the global bounty - sound familiar?  What has changed, however, is the speed at which human actions can alter the earthscape.

Within the science of anthropology, culture is accepted as the main advantage which allowed Homo sapiens to evolve into the dominant Earth species, surpassing other primates with the ability to learn and to share knowledge with new generations. In fact, humans have been so successful, that we pose the single greatest threat to survival for every other plant and animal species. This holds true within our own species - without a doubt, humankind is the greatest enemy to humankind.

In marketing, we recognize the power of words, the impact of actions, and the accountability that is innate in our creative works. We also wonder if the frenzy and knee-jerk decision making will self-destruct any time soon! Will quality be appreciated again? Will time be allowed to rest and rejuvenate; will time be restored to simply "be"; to ponder, and perhaps to dream?

May 1 is May Day, traditionally a labour holiday established to welcome spring and to celebrate the renewal of living things. However, every coin has a flip side, and "may day!" is also a radio operator's cry for help: "may day, may day, may day!" - the words broadcast three times to prevent misunderstanding.

It appears the choice is ours, and inherent in our decision-making is the one thing we fear - responsibility, responsibility, responsibility!