Compelling Cartoons

"Animation confronts Gaza breast cancer taboo"
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=386632550280518803

Every so often I am confronted with the idea that, as an artist, I don't do much to help or contribute to the world. Sure, I make pretty things, but how can painting canvases and sculpting clay possibly solve world hunger, save the environment or cure cancer? Well here's how: in the first commerical Palestinian animation in history, animators have harnessed their creative abilities to raise awareness on a subject that is often absurdly seen as taboo in the area: breast cancer. The film, based on a true story, portrays the life of a young seamstress, whose struggle with breast cancer in an area where women's bodies are rarely discussed or acknowledged leads to her young, heartbreaking death at the age of 28. Sadly, had it not taken the doctor's six month to diagnose her, had then not told her to "loosen her bra" or that her disease would disappear once she married, she may have had a chance for survival. Unfortunately, there's simply not enough funding, skill or awareness in the region, and clearly this must change. By tearing down the fences of propriety, the piece of artwork opens a path up for awareness, acceptance, and action in a land where women hide behind veils of cloth and convention on a daily basis. This is just one of those examples that remind me that as an artist, I do have power. Now it's just time to use it.