[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs_Em1XvAiU]
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
Dr. Seuss – The Lorax
Yesterday, I sat down and watched The Lorax and thought it had a really great message. Dr. Seuss really was ahead of his time to have the foresight to write such a compelling story that is more true today than it ever was. The movie demonstrates the power of corporate greed and how it can destroy our world in the name of profits. A little boy who doesn’t think he can make a difference is charged with the task of changing society and changing the way people think about trees. He does it.
I really enjoyed the comical cartoon animation. We’re used to hearing so many doom and gloom stories in the media about climate change and profits. Knowledge for the masses is still an issue, but I think there’s tons of information out there. I think the bigger issue is connecting to people in a way that matters to them. The Lorax does an excellent job of touching emotions and getting people to think differently by connecting to their hearts and minds. Better yet, it’s a cartoon for kids! What greater way to teach our future generation and deliver a positive message from childhood.
This movie teaches us that we have the power to do anything and change anything. Especially in today’s world of super-connectivity, resources abound, all it takes is one person to start stepping in the right direction, others will connect and follow and you could end up changing the world for the better. Let’s take back the power from large corporations and not let it get to the point where they start selling us air. Voting with your dollars to buy positively is a great place to start.
I hope you get a chance to sit down and watch this excellent movie, watch it with a kid in your life. What are some other great examples of delivering complex messages in a way that really connects to people? What’s your favorite cartoon with a purposeful message?