What's Your Problem? | Ghana Think Tank | The Art Assignment

TL;DR

Ghana Think Tank uses a unique approach to solve problems by collecting issues from developed countries and seeking solutions from think tanks in developing countries, fostering communication and collaboration across cultural differences.

Transcript

We're in Tijuana, Mexico. And we're joining up with the organizers of Ghana Think Tank, who have been developing the first world since 2006. Through a variety of initiatives, the group has collected problems in the US and Europe, in so-called developed countries, and sent them to think tanks around the world in places including Ethiopia, Cuba, El S... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Ghana Think Tank's approach challenges traditional power dynamics and encourages global collaboration to solve problems.
• 😀 By seeking solutions from developing countries, Ghana Think Tank provides a fresh perspective on complex issues faced by developed countries.
• 🛝 The project at the US-Mexico border highlights the importance of communication and empathy in addressing conflicts and finding common ground.
• 🥰 Art has the power to change perception and foster relationships between different ideas and cultures.
• 💦 Ghana Think Tank's work serves as a meaningful step towards imagining others complexly and promoting civil discourse in a polarized world.
• 👥 The group's problem-solving process may not always provide immediate solutions but creates opportunities for interaction and understanding.
• 🛩️ The project sheds light on the lack of design and accommodations at the US-Mexico border and the potential for small interventions to shift perspectives.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Ghana Think Tank collect problems and solutions from different countries?

Ghana Think Tank collects issues from developed countries and sends them to think tanks in developing countries, who come up with solutions based on their unique perspectives and experiences. They then work with the communities where the problems originated to implement these solutions.

Q: What is the goal of Ghana Think Tank's project at the US-Mexico border?

The project aims to foster communication and collaboration between right-wing border vigilantes, recently deported immigrants in Mexico, and undocumented workers in the US. By applying their unique problem-solving process, Ghana Think Tank seeks to address conflicting views of immigration and bridge the empathy gap.

Q: How does Ghana Think Tank use art in their approach?

While some may question whether this is art, the group argues that it's about changing perception and seeing things in different ways. By inserting solutions from different cultures into our own, Ghana Think Tank encourages new relationships between ideas and challenges our cultural assumptions.

Q: How can individuals participate in Ghana Think Tank's problem-solving approach?

Individuals can participate by following their "What's Your Problem" Art Assignment. They are encouraged to seek help from someone they perceive as different or threatening and follow their advice, documenting the process. This exercise aims to bridge empathy gaps and encourage a more constructive worldview.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ghana Think Tank collects problems from developed countries and sends them to think tanks in developing countries for solutions, fostering global collaboration.

• The group is currently working on a project at the US-Mexico border, encouraging communication between right-wing border vigilantes and recently deported immigrants.

• Ghana Think Tank's approach challenges cultural assumptions and encourages us to consider different perspectives in problem-solving.