“If wandering is the liberation from every given point in space, and thus the conceptional opposite to fixation at such a point, the sociological form of the "stranger" presents the unity, as it were, of these two characteristicS.
This phenomenon too, however, reveals that spatial relations are only the condition, on the one hand, and the symbol, on the other, of human relations.
But [it’s] position in this group is determined, essentially, by the fact that he has not belonged to it from the beginning, that he imports qualities into it, which do not and cannot stem from the group itself...[it’s] position as a full-fledged member involves both being outside it and confronting it.”
-Georg Simmel
Inchoate.
Look at Strangers is a means of appreciating the other, their experiences, and the respect for the parts of the lives of others we do not see and would never know…unless shared.
As we step further and further into a world where digital interactoin is the primary means of communication, the concept of the stranger has seemingly become blurred. However, while the perception of the stranger has changed among societies around the world, the ways we define what a stranger is has not fundamentally changed. It is no wonder that tensions are built high in everyday life as we interact with our fellow human beings. The lack of assimilation of cultures creates an environment where consistently opposing views are not given the space to exist simultaneously. An objective conclusivity can not reach among the members of any given group. This is not to say by any means that this goal can not be achieved, but rather that in this day and age we have not found a way to see a oneness that binds us together beyond our nuanced differences.
The fear we draw upon to categorize “The Other” in our fellow human beings catalyzes into feelings of inherent separation and ostracization. The deviation from sound thought and increased persistence in engaging with cognitive dissonance has led many to reject the ideologies of the outsider at any means necessary. Consequently, more and more individuals one would typically categorize as less than a stranger becomes the opposition and at worst, the enemy.
This great polarization coupled with vastly improved mobility has contributed to the psychological distancing we have created between ourselves. It has led to a society of individuals who dwell in self-righteousness and toil in unnecessary argumentation that creates a divide rather than building upon the existing communities. Although this is reminiscent in the ever heard historical echos of our pasts, does this precedent and way of dealing with “The Other” serve us as a more worldly community? Or is this the manifestation of our inherent humanistic qualities that shield us through one of our most basic psychological protectors, cognitive dissonance.
These are question we must ask ourselves as we move through our existence in correlation to other human beings. At what cost to the productivity in the cultivation of human experiences and experience-swapping are we willing to engage with these rigid principles?
LOOK AT STRANGERS is a means of exploring these concepts and engaging with other individuals in their deepest, most private moments and thoughts. For the participants to be unjudged and to be heard. And for the viewer to come with an openness and willingness to understand those who they engage. Conflicting ideologies and strong feelings may be uprooted within the viewer, yet this willingness to lay preconceived notion aside for even but a moment can create profound change. To be able to see with more compassion. To be able to engage with opposing viewpoints. And to simply take pleasures in learning something about something new, even if it makes us uncomfortable. For this is certain, we can not shirk our responsibility to provide one another with the basic levels of humanity deserved by each living creature simply because we are too fearful to overcome ourselves.
"So, I invite you.
Take a moment.
Take a step outside of your own thoughts.
Take a step into the thoughts of another.
I can’t promise you anything profound,
But please do tell. What do you see?"
