Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 October 2005 08:41:17
Turns out that ONE is the name of the Make Poverty History campaign in the US.
Exploring these two names (which are printed on the white wristband) is an interesting insight into the different approaches that are required to gain maximum effect in each country.
Think about it; MPH is a v.upfront term which states the aim of the campaign without any messing about. It assumes an understanding of collective responsibility and so appeals straight to the issue, rather than the individual.
One, however, is appealing to the individual to take collective responsibility first, by advocating taking the step of over coming division and self-interest and choosing to join with other Americans (which is v.clear in their statement of support on the main home page) to help supporters then take this forward to tackle the main issue itself.
Also with MPH, as an overt statement on a wristband, shows that there is no room for embarressment about supporting this cause. ONE, however, as a term can have a multitude of meanings and so can more easily be used in a way which may subvert the intended meaning. On this basis, perhaps it is a clear sign that the UK is still comfortable with the cultural symbols and ideas of modernity than the US which now, culturally, appears more post-modern.
As a matter of interest what is it called in Oz, (or anywhere else that may be reading).