Society’s constraints often force individuals to abandon their dreams, leaving them trapped in unfulfilled lifestyles because their deepest ambitions are destroyed.
Society is built on norms, rules, expectations, and requirements, leaving little to no room for creative expression. As members of society expand out of these norms they are met with dismissive behavior and sometimes even rejection for their choices. This can take the form of restricting education, capitalizing off of traditional lifestyles, and refusing to acknowledge the intersectionality of the world around us. Individuals make numerous heavy decisions for their survival and families’ stability, but this often comes with a large sacrifice.
It brings us to the question of whether or not it is worth it to sacrifice one’s deepest passion for the societal interpretation of stability. Is the ability to further one’s ambition a privilege in itself? This exhibit brings attention to and exemplifies the importance of embracing one’s passion while also recognizing those who sacrificed or lost their own for the greater good of those around them.
This exhibit showcases many mediums of art, all maintaining the constant theme of abandoned dreams. In every situation, as people sacrificed parts of their identity, education, and lifestyle there was a significant tone of emptiness. To maintain the safety nets and protection in our lives it comes with a recurring loss in identity. This not only prevents individuals from reaching a state of content but also restricts the overall progression of society as a whole.
The world often feels unfair, with one’s talents dependent on the shifting opinions of others. It’s disheartening to know that subjective judgments can undermine hard work. Many, especially parents, experience this struggle as they strive for a better life for their children. This desire for improvement often leads to personal sacrifices as they navigate their dreams while pursuing their children’s happiness. It’s a complex mix of love, aspiration, and the quest for recognition that shapes the human experience.
Our goal is not to invalidate or discredit these sacrifices but rather to uplift those who made these choices. Life journey is extremely versatile, and not everyone can change the expectations of society that have been implemented throughout hundreds of years. To make the world a better place it must start with acknowledging those who suffered at the hands of constraint to foster peace in the world.