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Day Three: Designing Social Participatory System Elena Simons Presentation By drawing references from some of her projects, Elena Simons showed how fun and humor as a crucial element and also the methodology of her works. She discussed the importance of “making fun” in advancing society, in relaxing tensions, mobilizing and inspiring people. Some of the Simons' project illustrates how “making fun” could intercept some long-argued social issues from a very different angle. Sometimes it could resurface the take-it-for-granted social relationship. In one project, Simons asked some of the people who were under social welfare system to go to the richest neighborhood in the city. They knock on the doors to give gifts and show their thankfulness to the people that paid taxed to support their lives. In the "Fun with Muslim" project, Simons handled sensitive cultural conflict, not with care, but with fun. People often think that the Muslims are too prim for fun. She made friends and went shopping with the fundamentalists instead. She also made a T-shirt that said “teach me something about Islam, and I will give you 1 euro.” Cultural integration is done in a much lighthearted way. She also started a project called "Citizen Buddy". The project helped a citizen to adopt a government official or a politician. Under the project, the “parents” could have regular meetings with their adopted officials to communicate and exchange ideas. The tension and conflict between government policies and citizens are mounting. Simons find a new way of bringing in a personal communication and understanding between the two parties. Most of the Simons' projects fulfill the basic effect of humor, which is to release the tension. Simons thought this is especially suitable for the urban situation, as the tension is tightened by the conflict of interests between different parties. A more worth noting aspect of Simons' works is that making fun is not the goal, it is also the methodology. It cuts in some social relationships and events in an alternative angle and manner. It does more than releasing tension and also to create awareness, inspire people, and mobilize people for engaging in funny and new social involvement. Simons also talked about her upcoming projects in that evening, which ranges from publication to internet project that leads to the concerns of other global issues.
Biography Elena Simons is a social inventor who initiates fun projects in society. She went with welfare recipients to thank the rich for their tax contribution and tricked a luxury department store into selling garbage. Her book Fun with Muslims provides a creative twist on integration. Simons is creative director of Wonder, a non-profit organization that launches humorous social projects. Citizens bridge the chasm between politics and the people by adopting politicians. The Happiness Company invites people nationwide to spread joy in public places. And the case for animal rights was made through the action Sex for Animals. Website: www.wonder.nl |
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