When I first read this article in Fast Company Design (Why Designers Need to Stop Feeling Sorry for Africa) my reason for reading was purely because the title annoyed me. If nothing else, this article is brilliant just for its title alone! After reading through the article quite a few times, and really looking into the heart of what the author’s argument is about, I think I really agree with what he is saying.

Take, for example, the prevalence of poverty porn. We can all picture Sally Struthers on a late-night commercial with emaciated children that you can save for $10/month. This is poverty porn at its worst (or best depending on how you look at it). In fact, one of the significant challenges that R29 has faced with some of our Africa-focused clients is the volume of poverty porn among similar organizations.

‘What’s the big deal,’ some might say? People need to be moved to act, and moving images, design and media can really be effective means that justify a better end for the poor and vulnerable. Someone would see an image that moves them to give and that gift provides a better quality of life for the image-bearer.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Africa and every time I leave a slum, I can’t help but marvel about how truly innovative and ingenious our African brothers and sisters really are. From toys made from trash to home-made water-purification units; the poor and marginalized people of this world deserve much more credit than we often give them. And yet, it would be really easy to take a picture of one of these brilliant African’s and make him look desperate.

Instead, let’s look at the assets that are already present and walk alongside our African friends toward a new day of prosperity and peace. There are many ‘good news’ stories coming out of Africa. I hope that these begin to outweigh the glut of poverty porn that is commonplace in today’s world.

Here’s my hope: what if the world began to view the poor as innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders – this perspective swings the dignity pendulum back to the complete opposite side and paints an entirely different picture of the reality of our world’s poor. This is where we need to be, and I believe that by working together (especially as designers) this could be reality. So thanks to a blog title that got me all riled up, I felt compelled to write and share about a shift in perspective. At least it’s something for us all to think about.

Shame on us for stealing one of the few assets they may have left: dignity.

Thanks to Justin Narducci from Life In Abundance for having an ongoing dialogue (the last 5 years) with me and Rule29 on how to “see” the poor and the amazing complexities of Africa. And for being the co-writer of this post.

Let me paint the scene. We are shooting our documentary This is My Normal in Nairobi, Kenya last year. We had decided to follow one of our subjects home from work one night. He happened to live in the Kibera slums (one of the largest in Africa). Throughout our trip, there was one primary rule we had been given. “Don’t hang in the slums at night.”

Not only did we decide to travel through Kibera that night, we chose to carry large film equipment, including a giant battery powered LED light (which I happened to be holding over my head). Standing out is an understatement. I’ll admit. My heart was beating fast. We moved fast through a number of alleys and streets and eventually came upon a path that led to the train tracks that ran through the slums. The tracks were elevated. As we walked along the tracks and began to head down the other side towards our friend’s home, I became captivated by the rooftops I now saw. They were painted. They were mesmerizing. They were art?

Not until I returned home and stumbled randomly upon this TED talk, did I realize this was the artwork of famed French artist JR. Not every photo seen above was still present, but enough “eyes” that caught my attention. In the midst of some of the most intense moments of my trip, I paused.

Is this not the hope of good art? To pause. To wonder. Read the rest of the entry >

There are times in your life when things just feel like they all fall in place. And for that moment you feel like you are being smiled upon. Exactly a week ago today, Rule29 was able to premiere our second documentary, which we made with Wonderkind Studios and Life In Abundance. This film was about extreme poverty, its complexities, and its depth. Almost a year ago we flew to Nairobi to make a film about LIA’s microfinance initiative in some of Africa’s largest slums. All during the film and on our way home, we were grappling, – I would say struggling, in fact – with what our normal was compared to the beautiful people we just had an honor to meet and interact with for a week of our life. And, because of that struggle, we decided to change the film and focus on the complexity of poverty.

As the film was about to start, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of people not liking it, or the film not making sense, or whatever other ridiculous, anxiety-filled thoughts flooded my mind. As I walked up on stage, my butterflies went away and were replaced by a growing excitement. Here it was, this great piece of art that so many people put hundreds of hours into, and we were about to share it.

After introducing it, the lights dimmed, I sat down, and the movie started on that larger than life fifty-foot movie screen. And then it happened…. I was back. Back at the beautifully horrible place halfway across the world. My heart became heavy and tears started welling in my eyes. Could it be? Did this place actually exist? Could I do more? How can I help this “normal” for my brothers and sisters be different? How? As I let the film take me back, I reflected on all that went on during the time that we were there. I remembered the smell, the condition of the environment, the reality of it all, but also the hope that was around every corner.

The impact of film and story is an amazingly powerful medium. As I along with the rest of the team at Rule29 work hard at becoming better and better at it, I’m always thinking, How can we make this world a better place? Isn’t that something we should all strive to do? I think it is – do you?

Read the rest of the entry >

If we’re social media friends, you’ve probably heard us talking about this for a few months now… Alongside partners Wonderkind Studios and Life in Abundance, we are (finally) premiering our second documentary, “This is My Normal.” It will be Thursday night, April 7th at the historical and prestigoius Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL. The screening is open to the public with a suggested minimum donation of $15 for entry. In addition, there will be a Q & A immediately following the screening with the directors, producers, and crew.

So, what is the film about?

“This is My Normal” explores two primary questions: “What is poverty?” and “What is normal?” These questions are explored through the stories and imagery of the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. In particular, the film focuses on the people of the Mathare Valley – a section of the Mathare slums, often referred to as the “Forgotten Valley.”

The Mathare Valley is a place where the local water supply (the river) has become the slum’s waste system, trash system, and playground for the young. The Valley is dependent upon the water; however, it is the slum’s most dangerous asset – threatening both children and homes with its ability to rise with an untimely rain. While the homes, unemployment, and health concerns are an embodiment of the (global) poverty issues, it is the “mindset” that is the gravest of concerns.

Reality is… that unclean water, (incredibly) low wages, and poor health are simply “normal” to the slums. Unfortunately, this way of life has become acceptable, and “acceptable” is the greatest hurdle to overcome.

Ironically, the presence of countless NGOs and sporadic visits from the West are often a big piece of the problem. “This is My Normal” explores the abundance of “quick fixes” out there and how they simply contribute to what is acceptable and normal. A reality, when discovered, uncovers the utter complexity of poverty – how we ALL play a role in its perpetual nature.

Fortunately, there are many who understand this historical reality and its connection to the “great divide” between the rich and the poor. And their proposing something so simple, yet so drastic and complex: change the way people think – the way Kenyan’s see the world.

Although it’s harder work and a longer process, those that have participated in helping Africa rethink their “normal”, have experienced hope midst the despair. It s an idea. An idea with results. And an idea “worth spreading.”

Read the rest of the entry >

Rule29 was honored with the opportunity to create the 2nd annual report for Life In Abundance. LIA is helping to rewrite the tragic stories that typically come out of Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the organization’s work, new stories are emerging: communities are learning how to take care of themselves, locals are learning new skills, children are attending new schools, micro-financing programs are enabling individuals to start businesses, and communities are gaining the resources to take care of each other and reduce the spread of an uneducated populace. All in all, LIA is empowering change in the only way that matters (in our opinion) – through the creation of a holistic, sustainable model that brings permanent change to the communities affected.

This 2009 annual report, entitled “Empowering Change”, features articles and stories from 4 countries and surrounding areas that highlighted the struggles of each country, as well as powerful stories about incredible individuals that live there. Showing the actual empowerment of the surrounding communities was key in creating a successful piece. Through compelling stories and vivid photography (taken by our good friend Brian MacDonald), a very successful and enlightening piece was created.

For the cover, stylistically, we wanted to draw the viewer in with an incredible shot of the slums, partially from a distance. The large type that is rising from the horizon line was chosen to simulate the initiative to actually empower change within these communities. Throughout the annual there are 3 stories that feature hand written type on rough paper texture in order to remind us that these stories are coming from real people in the slums.

Life In Abundance now uses this powerful piece to highlight some of the remarkable work they do in Africa to donors, and their supporters.

How do you empower change?