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Fonk for Thoughts: Elena Simons
"Fungagement?" Yes, Dutch Elena Simons is more than a multi-talented creative with an open attitude and vision towards social issues. Just Fonk with her Thoughts...
 Elena Simons: "When social engagement and enjoyment join forces, you'll get a powerful mix that can make good behavior popular with the majority." BlogFonk: Who is Elena Simons? Where are you from? Simons: I'm a social inventor from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. BlogFonk: Do you love your work? Why (not)? Simons: Definitely. The way society changes is very exciting and I feel honored to contribute to the process.  BlogFonk: What is "Wonder" all about? Simons: I develop concepts that help us deal with major problems such as climate change or Muslim integration. The concept may be for a specific project, or it may be an abstract vision. "Fungagement" is my speciality. When social engagement and enjoyment join forces, you'll get a powerful mix that can make good behavior popular with the majority.  BlogFonk: Is there difference in mentality of creatives in the countries you've worked? Simons: Yes. In the United States people get excited about new initiatives and go along with them. Strong expressions of opinions are welcomed. In the Netherlands, people are way more sceptical. This means that a creative professional needs to find more roundabout, ironic, subtle forms with which to communicate a message. BlogFonk: What are the latest important developments you've noticed in your work? Simons: There is an enormous potential of individuals who would like to contribute to society. This has developed in the last few years and especially months. Citizenship is now a major subject. How can people take responsibilty for their neighbourhood? What can they do about sustainable consumption? Internet offers the possibility for cocreational structures in which anybody can contribute to the solution of any problem. One no longer needs to be in power.  BlogFonk: Which project are you most proud of? Simons: My book "Fun with Muslims" ("Pret met moslims") is a collection of possibilities to enjoy your fellow Muslim countrymen. Go shopping with a fundamentalist, give Barbie her own headscarf, Ken a beard and master a few Arabic sentences like "I'm a virgin. How about you?" With its fashionably colorful design, "Fun with Muslims" is an example of a new genre: the political giftbook.  BlogFonk: If you'd be given the chance to do something over again, what would that be? Simons: I would generate funds for the book BEFORE writing it! BlogFonk: Finally, what is your motto, your "Fonk for Thoughts" (inspiration to be creative)? Simons: In the past we were ecstatic when we put a man on the moon. Before too long we will be ecstatic that we saved the environment. |
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posted by BlogFonk: Thursday, February 24, 2005 [#] Erms Suripatty