Origin of Thought
Origin of Thought
About
CLARITY Magazine
Clarity magazine was created in 2019 with the intention of creating an open free thinking and judgment free platform that would address the challenge of belief as well as celebrate the diversity of beliefs and cutler now present in our society, We are a creatively minded magazine that though a series of collaborative opportunity have created honest and personal content for our abundance to help them understand and explore the multitude of belief systems they interact with on a daily basis. We believe that they key to tolerance and understanding of each others ideas and belief is to understand the origins of each of us and where theses beliefs came from. We aspire to showcase and document as many people as we can from all walks of life, we believe everyone has a story to tell that can encourage and teach. To get involved with clarity magazine visit our contact page.
Our belief is that understanding the origin of individual belief is the key to tolerance, in world so divided we can forget how alike we are. Humanity has always been divided by the difference of belief but Clarity wants to show that belief in its self unites us in what makes us human our faith in what we believe. We want to show the complexity and beauty in diversity of thought, we believe the human mind is incredible and its complexity can be celebrated, the aim of Clarity is to present a collection of thoughts and beliefs from a range of people, demonstrating the assortment of
thoughts that make up our society, we will explore the origins of these beliefs and discuss why and what people believe. We have explored the outcome when people from opposing mind sets come together to explore and question others beliefs. With the aim of showing how people can learn form one another can grow and ultimately remain true to them self whilst undemanding and accepting the belief of others.
The Philosophy Of
BELIEF
The Oxford English Dictionary refers to Belief as first and foremost, a mental conviction. Although I would usually deem it wrong to classify a word of such power into such a simple phrase, I find that is this instance, the definition is satisfying, if not ground-breaking it its simplicity.
wrong’. So, it is now that I will implore the question; why is it when one states ‘I believe in God’ or ‘I do not believe in God’ are we so quick to divide? It’s fascinating to observe how belief in regards to faith is a topic of such division that has plagued humanity for centuries. The disagreement between those of different faiths and those who are faithless has led to war, death, famine, even genocide. Yet, it has also been a disagreement that has inspired some of the greatest modern thinkers of our time. David Hume pioneered thought on inductive reasoning and is largely considered to be one of the greatest agnostic thinkers of the early modern period. Rene Descartes’ theistic philosophy has shaped the way in which we look at reality. Even Plato’s non-religious dialogues, set into society thousands of years ago, inspire modern day pop culture.
‘I believe in a God’. ‘I believe murder is wrong’. ‘I believe apples grow in trees. Each of these sentences are completely different to one another and yet, they all hold a belief. True, it is far easier to accept that apples grow on trees than that God is real, yet aren’t they all expressing an individual’s truth? They are, as simply put, a mental conviction. Someone, somewhere, believes in God just as readily as he believes that apples grow on trees.
It is for this reason why I say that religion has never been more prevalent. Within our divided world, to render belief irrelevant would be harmful if not dangerous. In fact, despite a downwards trend of faith within western countries, belief in third world and developing countries has never been more immediate. Faith, considered on a global scale, is rising. Which is why we must discuss, debate and acknowledge its significance within our changing world. This ‘mental conviction’ holds such power and plays a pivotal role in the way the world exists and will continue to exist. Which is why I therefore implore the question; What is belief?
As human beings, we differ from other animals. We, unlike even are most intelligent fellow primates, are able to assess what we deem as true or false. If I observe throughout my life that apples grow on trees, I seem to come to the conclusion, that apples grow on trees. This inductive reasoning is popular amongst humans. The trend between evidence and belief is one we find satisfying. If we can see it. We like to believe it.
I find the answer to this can only be subjective, and it would be a tedious, if not trivial task to try and define it simply. Belief is cultural, It is personal, it is powerful. It is everything. Therefore, as much as I admire its simply definition, belief is so much more. Something that we must continue to be explore for its fascination and depth. People do not simply walk into belief with a half- hearted matter. It shapes lives. Which is why we must truly ask what it is.
Now I say that ‘murder is wrong’. Unlike believing apples grow on trees. Unlike apple trees, not many of us have witnessed murder. However, we seem to turn to an innate wrongness we feel to justify our conclusion. ‘It just feels wrong’ or ‘I just feels right’ is a sentence we hear continually to defend deductive conclusions, just like ‘murder is
By Phoebe Ann Piggott
Project me: The unseen seen.
This photography collection was conceived under the idea of making the unseen seen, to showcases the inner thoughts of the models on the outside, a visual representation of inner self on the skin, a projection from within. Capturing a visual representation of what belief, ideas and thoughts create each individual and visually displaying that on the individual. We worked with each model to gather a collection of images they thought represented them selves at both a deep and superficial level, what was important to them and how they are seen and preserved by others. What you project?
ALINA GREEN
The images I chose relate to my love of bright bold colours and travel. Being an art student colour has always played a big role in my life from what I wear to what I create. My friends know me as the girl who wears bright colours so it’s also a big part of my identity. I have also always loved travelling, I have been many places so far such as thailand, Spain, France, Iceland, Croatia, etc. And plan to go many other places. From getting on the plane to seeing all the amazing sights each destination provide I love it all.
JOSIE MACCARTHY
I chose fire because from as early as I can remember I have been angry. Anger is the emotion that drives everything I do, sure it has caused many a mishap in my life but it has got me where I am today. The fire inside me fueled by injustice and the trauma I have been through reminds me to keep going, prove them wrong and succeed. Slut because women are called sluts constantly, I have been called a slut when I was a virgin, before I’d even had my first kiss. I am not worth less because of the amount of sex I have had, nor will I ever be. Call me a slut if you want to but I refuse to mould into something else. My self worth is not dictated by your hands. If you have an issue with me before you have touched me because others have then how do you breath knowing others also breath? If you think I am worth less after you have touched me, cut off your hands as they are at fault.
ES
M JA
I was born in Paris but my parents are British which I suppose was some sort of dilemma at times. I do have found memories of the place but I would always say that the city itself and the architecture always have a special place in my heart.
D O LE C A
M
Later on in life I lived in Sri Lanka. I grew up over there during my teens. The first thing I can remember from it were the plants and the nature around me, it was very much different to what I was used to. And for the colours in the some of the photos, I am an artist so I guess that's enough said about that.
Raekwon Mason I chose the theme of war because I believe it is an important part of our daily living that isn’t highlighted. Currently there are major wars being fought across the globe in Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq and South Sudan just to name a few. These are very resourceful countries and people with much to contribute to the world, Iraq for example is labelled
as the “cradle of civilisation� due to its rich history of literature, science, mathematics, laws, and philosophies. The impact of these wars is felt daily in our economies. Take Afghanistan for example, the casualties of the ongoing war in Afghanistan is estimated to be around 2 million. Imagine the wasted potential! With many more displaced and traumatised. I chose to be a part of this project because I think some of the emotions of the victims of this war could be conveyed using photographic art; the anger, pain, despair and frustration were emotions I were hoping cold be simulated in these photographs and I look forward to seeing the results
Wen WEn
Wen is a illustration student that wanted her own work projected on her, was asked her a bit about her illustrations and what influenced her to have theses images projected on her. “This year, I moved to an apartment facing the sea. The sea brought a lot of pure touches and began to do something about the combination of colour . In colour practice even if the use of green or red lines or some of the expression of inner nudity of girls are actually from the sea feeling can not be But can be infinitely close to the spirit of those moments of eternal fragility and firm contradictions of the unity.�
LILA
The religion I follow is Islam and my cultural background and ethnicity is Afghan. I was born abroad, as were my parents, but I’ve spent the majority of my life in England, UK.
Was there ever a point where you started to question some of the things you were taught about your religion/ culture ? How did you think and/or feel about your religion/ culture growing up? I like and appreciate my religion and culture, as they are what makes me, me! I was always aware of the negative press and media connotations regarding the religion of Islam as it is usually the main focus of exaggerated news headline stories in regards to tragedies abroad and at home. My culture is more ‘mixed’ in the sense that at home my family don’t completely embrace or follow afghan cultural traditions but we also are not fully ‘English’ if that makes sense. Do you think you have changed how think about / see your religion/ culture now compared to when you were young? I have always had questions about my religion, which is encouraged within the religion and has been received well by the people I have asked my questions too. I guess throughout the years I have had a positive view point of religion. In regards to culture, as I have grown older, I definitely question certain practices and cultural viewpoints towards marriage, gender roles, patriarchy, and patriotism within Afghan culture. There is no one Afghan culture, because it’s a big country with different cities, and some families are more traditional than others in general. So some of the viewpoints that are widespread in one city/province isn’t as common in others. But in general, what I have been exposed to within my own family and community, I do have disagreements and have questioned it a lot. When I was younger, I guess it did not affect me as much. But as I have gotten older and am more aware of the how different western and afghan culture is and how the thinking regarding important life decisions, such as marriage and careers, can be so different. In sum, I have definitely changed my thinking towards how I see my culture compared to when I was younger. I have a more questioning tone towards certain practices and question the need to follow them in this era and country, where there is no war.
For sure. There was always contradicting and contrasting views regarding religion. What I was shown on the television screens and what I experienced were usually two totally difference things. The hate, fear and terror that is usually associated with Islam on TV, is the opposite to the actual teachings and experiences that I have had. So, I guess when I was old enough and interested enough to watch the news I did question certain things about religion, and wanted to know why certain things are the way they are for example, Islamic dress, prayers, the Quran (Holy Book). So, I questioned the differences between the actual teachings in Islam and the examples that were being portrayed in the media. Regarding culture, absolutely! Traditional afghan culture heavily revolves around traditional, sometimes outdated traditions and thinking, such as heavily encouraging traditional gender roles, e.g. women being wives and mothers and men being fathers and main providers, which there isn’t anything wrong with, but it shouldn’t be the only things to aspire towards. There is not as much emphasis on education, working, career progression and being individuals. In contrast to western cultures, the Afghan culture is more collectivist – with a greater emphasis on community cohesion and in turn a strong emphasis on community opinions too! This has its down sides as well as positives. I mainly questioned the traditional gender roles that are heavily enforced within my culture. How did you think and/or feel about your religion/ culture growing up? I like and appreciate my religion and culture, as they are what makes me, me! I was always aware of the negative press and media connotations regarding the religion of Islam as it is usually the main focus of exaggerated news headline stories in regards to tragedies abroad and at home. My culture is more ‘mixed’ in the sense that at home my family don’t completely embrace or follow afghan cultural traditions but we also are not fully ‘English’ if that makes sense. Read the full story at : www.claritymagzine.com
VANITY I was brought up Christian, something I both loved and struggled with thought my upbringing and in to my adult life. I have continuously felt torn between what is right and wrong by the standards of both my religion and society. Putting aside for a minuet the slightly heavier topics that come to mind when taking about a struggle with faith, the part that caused me some of the most confusion was fashion. As mundane and unimportant as this topic might seem this one component of my life was criticized and commented upon to the point that retrospectively has altered not only my view of myself but also my opinions of others, for the negative. My interest in fashion from both a recreational and artist point of view was judged by my church as vanity, my enjoyment of clothing, styling, design and shopping, all things I now enjoy and use now as a part of my degree, was deemed shallow, self-obsessive and vain. This is where my struggle with my religion and myself really began.
First and foremost, I love my faith, I love what my religion has given me, what I struggled with was the people. The God I was taught about initially was loving, kind accepting of all yet the older I got the more those characteristics seemed to be contradicted by what other people were telling me. If God made me how I am then he made me creative he made me with my love of design, and if that manifested in do an interest in design for fashion I still didn’t understand why that was wrong, why I was criticized and judged for being individual for wanting to express myself in a outwards way for enjoying myself and being happy with who I was, experimenting with how I looked. It wasn’t the best environment to be in, especially when surrounded by a culture that thrives on image and judges people at skin value, I think its so easy to have one or two bad experiences to put you off a certain way of living or a certain kind of people, and this was one of these experiences I was tired off feeling judged, tired of people thinking less of me just because I didn’t believe everything they did or follow there rules in every aspect of my life, when I went to university I stopped going to church, I still always believed in god but I didn’t want to always feel guilty for just being me anymore, After a few yeas university at I started to realised I missed the community I was brought up in and decided I wanted to go back to church, to cut a long story short iv finally found people that accept me for who I am and encourage me to be me, all in all I guess I’ve learnt I can’t judge a whole group of people or a whole religion on the actions of a few, and above all else I know my own worth and I’ve learnt that who I am is not dictated by what others think of me.
Stained glass has been a form of art adopted by countless religious body’s across the world, most comely affiliated with Catholicism and Christianity as a famous feature of churches depicting scenes and storeys from the bible. Stained glass has been a continued art for though out history, this collaboration between clarity magazine and a team of talented photographers and make up artist we have created a series of portrait photography inspired by the history and symbolism of staid glass and today’s society, stand glass was originally, designed to decorate churches and feature the depictions of storeys believed in by the people that attended theses churches, we decided to portray theses moderations of the glass with the intention of showing how personal belief is both today and though out history.
The concept by this piece is the idea of a relationship between graphite (an art originating on the street) using make up and photography we created this look, inspired by Banksy stained glass graphite work. The idea of something perfect and traditional such as stained glass, that is created to be perfect by design, there geometric and cleanse present in it are a famous feature that encompass what traditional staid glass is. We then looked at graphite as an art form, the bright block colour, easy free style line and shape that make up graphite art and combined them together to create a powerful and bright image.
The combining to tradition and contemporary cutler and lifestyle was not only the influence for the particulate shoot but inspired the conscription of clarity as a., These images display what was initially interned for clarity to do as a brand - build a bridge and support platform for those brought up in and existing in-between to poler society’s. Stained-glass is still today a remanding traditional art practised by not only religions organisations but by an increasing number artist using it as a medium. Stained glass originally was only seen in churches, and was seen as a way to decorate churches, which was believed to be important to many Christian denominations that used it within the buildings , they believed and still believe the church is the house God and as such should be decorated it a style fit for a king, it was a way that expressed there devotion and love to there belief and there God. Today Art comes in 1000 different forms, one of the more recognisable forms of art that originated on the stresses, is graphite art, we wanted to bring these to forms of art together in a way that represented the bridging of to society and celebrated a coupling of arts, both traditional and contemporary. This collaboration with talented make up artist Hayley Winstanley and photomicrograph Lada Podkolzina, we have created three inspired looks based of stained-glass and the world today, the first being inspired by the idea of worshipped technology. The second encompassed the idea of a relationship between graphite (an art originating on the street) with the wealthy history of stained-glass art. The third and final showing a more traditional interoperation of stand glass using bring a bold colours to represent the still upheld tradition that still exists within today’s society and pay tribute to the history whist still using bright colours more associated with today’s culture.
PHOEBE
When I was growing up I knew I like guys I always had had more than a few crushes on them, so the idea of being into girls was never something that I thought of all that much, however it was also always something that I knew was kind of there in the background ever since I started secondary school. When I’ve talked to a few of my other LGBTQ friends they have sometimes said that they remember a point when they knew that they were gay, but I never really had this. I knew I liked guys, so I kind of ignored the other part of me that always knew I liked girls as well, simply because I had never liked a girl enough to be brave enough and admit it to myself. It was just easier to ignore all of it then face it. And then I developed this crazy crush on a girl in my year and I knew I was in trouble. I had known deep down about it for a while, but still I pushed it away. I told myself that I couldn’t like her, because I defiantly liked guys. And it wasn’t as if I had a reason to be so terrified of accepting all of it. The girl I liked had come out as gay a few months before and I went to a school that was very accepting and liberal. Even some of my closest friends had come out as part of the community and had received nothing but support from everyone. However, every time I felt the though creep into my head I felt dread. But, as more and more time went on I felt the confession bubbling to the surface again and again. People always say that sexuality isn’t a big deal, and that people make way too much of a fuss about it. But what I think people don’t fully get is that it’s a really big part of someone’s life. Its who they could fall in love with. Its who they discuss their crushes with. It’s part of who someone is, and it’s really had to constantly fight talking about it, because it’s a part of you, you want to share with the people who care about you. So, in 2017, in a park on a sunny day I came out to my best friend as bi. She basically had to drag it out of me, I remember being so nervous I felt like I was goanna pass out. She gave me the biggest hug ever. She came out to be as bi a few months after that, which was kind of hilarious for the both of us. At this point in time I’m out to everyone but my parents.
They are Christians, so the idea of me being bi may take them some time to get used to, so I’m waiting for a while to tell them. I know that deep down that they will never treat me any differently, but I also know it will matter to them, as at the core of their belief they believe I should be with a man. As a bisexual, a lot of people have told me to just focus of guys as I can still like them and therefore I won’t have to ever come out to them. However, the idea now fills me with even more dread than the idea of coming out. Bisexuality makes up the majority of the LGBT community yet is the least representing. This is defiantly I feel when coming out to people. As if they may see my sexuality as invalid. However, I have been lucky enough, and I know many haven’t, to have all those who I care about to accept me for exactly who I am. Being LGBTQ+ is not easy, as you feel at times you have to justify who you are, however, especially in England, the past decades have been revolutionary in their progress to equal rights and to be LGBT today in England compared to 20 or even 10 years ago I am very grateful, especially to those who fought for rights for people like me. This year I went to my first pride parade in London. The experience was honestly life changing, being surrounded by people who are similar to you, and who have been through things you have is encouraging and impossible to stress the importance of. It’s been a hard few years coming out, but at the same time I’ve never felt more me and proud of myself in my life. So yes, being LBGTQ can be hard, but if your around the right people, and you find the courage to accept yourself, it can be something so freeing, that you wouldn’t wish to be anyone but you.
BROOK
Please could you start off by talking a little bit about your family culture, the environment you were brought up in. I am 100% Chinese – born and raised in China. My family is very standard, average background – nothing crazy or different. Just a very normal middle-class background. I went to primary school and public school – very representative for a Chinese kid. Everyone has very similar education and background. We are given the same materials and resources. It’s more equal that here – there’s less variance. Has your culture ever influenced the decisions you have made when it comes to self-expression, for example through fashion, behaviour, etc.? I think I definitely have struggled. I have now got through that struggle but I do feel that most of the kids in China have had their first 18 years without the chance to look at themselves and love themselves and to look at their appearances. We are literally taught not to think about your appearance until you are 18 and until you want to have a boyfriend or look prettier or until you don’t have to wear a uniform anymore and then you realise ‘I don’t know what to do with myself’. I have the impression that teenagers here have their teenage years understanding themselves and learn to accept their bodies and appearances. We are only given that chance way too late. When I came here I realised that I look so awkward, literally like just very late on that kind of developing my own aesthetics on who I wanna be and how I wanna look. With generational gaps – do you notice there are big differences between how you were brought up and how your parents were brought up? Oh yes, massively. China has been very different. Even from the time my parents were brought up it was a very different time. It was still like post-war recovery and old people were only caring about survival and food. Now we live more like normal kids. They had a very different life. They made loads of decisions based on families and even on survival.
if you had a chance to give some advice to your younger self or another young girl that was in the same position as you, what advice would you give them?
I would say to love yourself as early as you can. I think once you have gone to Uni or work you get too occupied to do important things. If you are still struggling with selfacceptance at the same time it’s a drag. What was is the beauty culture like, talking about body image and idolisation of a specific kind of image? In China the beauty preference is probably that we still look at skinny models most of the time but people idolise actresses more than models. We still look at Chinese actors who just look more … even Asian models they tend to have the cheekbones, smaller eyes – that kind of look. In China people like big eyes and Western-looking girls. Very pale skin and we don’t really like strong facial structures. Feminine, girly, long, straight black hair. And super-skinny. Another thing is that here people really like big boobs. In China the flatter the better because we don’t really grown them big anyway. So as thin as possible. are there any noticeable culture differences between England and China for women? I wouldn’t say too much about women but for teenage girls I can talk. We were never really given the chance to wear short skirts. But since kindergarten we see other kids wearing clothes that cover our arms – we never really thought about it. We never saw anything different. We see a few really radical kids trying to wear different clothes in school. Even without teachers, other students would tell them that it was too much. Even I had that kind of thought as well. You just see people wearing only tracksuits so you think that’s the normal thing. Read the full story at : www.claritymagzine.com
Who/ what do you put your faith into when you’re faced with a problem? “Friends, family, common sense, prayer, all of which I would consider gifts from God!” “Jesus!” “Depending on the problems I see my therapist and/or pray to God.” “Fate, hope and spiritual” “Myself, or my parents depending on what the problem is. But if it’s a huge problem like for example something that would need a miracle like someone I know dying etc, I’d then pray and put it to god.” “My upbringing or Parents/grandparents” “I trust my gut instincts mostly, but I’d reach out to someone close to me.”
do you belive in a higher power?
“I believe that there might be something there but I’m not sure and until I see proof its not one of my biggest concerns right now.” “No I don't. I'm open to the possibility that I am wrong but I don't believe in a higher power personally.” “Yes, open Christian views with an interest in spirituality and Buddhism” “God because I have Faith.” “Yes. I believe that the order and perfection of creation point to a creator.” “Spirituality - I believe in something but I don’t know” what “I believe that there might be something there but I’m not sure and until I see proof its not one of my biggest concerns right now.” “I do believe in a higher power and a force greater than humans/beings of any other kind but I’m not entirely sure what it is I sense when feel this higher power. I believe in the power of astrology and how certain points in your life are supposed to happen to maintain a balance, and I’m a sucker for star signs and horoscopes! But also don’t live by them, so I’ll look at a daily one at the end of the day and think ‘oh yeah that makes sense’.” “I believe in the laws of the natural world.” “I believe that there might be something there but I’m not sure and until I see proof its not one of my biggest concerns right now.”
The origin of belief
Belief whether in yourself or in a god or in a higher power has divided people and ignited conflict over all of history, today is no different, living in a society rich in culture and diversity of belief as such has for the first time in history created a society that within exists a vast number or belief systems ideals and ethical alliances. Most humans have at least once in there life questioned there beliefs, changed them and adapted as they have grown, we learn as we grow, formulate and decided who we are and what we want to believe in and stand for in-till we have built a foundation for ourself on what we stand for, what we believe is right and wrong, and this is often what we uses as a way to identify who we are as people. If belief is the foundation which we build our identity and our purpose for life it is then the most import aspect of ourself?
That it becomes a way to ether build or burn bridges. If we can understand and accept the belief of others then we can lead the way to a more topgallant society and more clearly understand the people around us. Clarity on the origin of belief. As a part of this venture clarity interviewed over 50 people asking 10 questions about there beliefs there answers fascinated and encouraged us to keep perusing this idea, we wanted to shar some of there ansers with you, to see the full interviews, visit our online magazine at www.claritymagazine.com.
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