We live in a materialistic world where art & design exert great influence, but where the values of these professions often conflict with Christian ethics. As an Industrial designer, I was shocked that many of my colleagues were expected to design for obsolescence so that people would be forced to buy more. These problems are not however limited to one field of design. Clothing is only expected to last one season. Advertising bombards us everywhere, often with sexual or violent messages which distort our concept of the norm. Products and services promise to satisfy our deepest longings; those longings that only God can satisfy. How do we as designers and consumers respond? Many designers I know who are Christians or have a conscience leave the profession or at least leave the mainstream; turning instead to invention, crafts or teaching. But does this solve the problems? It is getting harder by the year as the norms change and desperation forces society to continue pushing the boundaries. As consumers, we cannot truly escape consumerism. If we flee from being designers, we just mute our voices.
What are your thoughts, & what struggles have you encountered in your profession?
What are your thoughts, & what struggles have you encountered in your profession?
Yes, the superficiality of it all sometimes makes me ill. Trying to find a nice piece of clothing to wear that will last i sone of those things. I get very overwhelmed in the shops these days, there is just too much choice out there and still i cannot find what I am looking for. i alwyas hunt for specific items that I can neverfind, like black pants for example, that fit and flatter me.
ReplyDeleteI remember a time when there was about half of the choice out there, and it was fun to shop. I think the more we limit the choice, like any parent will know) will make the choice easier. The more choice we give people, the more unsatisfied they become, and teh more they demand.