Module Four

Creative and artistic expressions have been incorporated into people's lives to induce learning, develop essential analysis skills, and have fun. In addition, they provide an avenue for expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and approaches to life. Thus, through analysis of these expressions, cultural responses, points of view, and values can be impacted and altered to enhance people's lives.

Occurrences within the environment can influence the works of expression. Situations like maltreatment, cases of suffering, or the feeling of hopelessness by other people around them can trigger the need to establish an artistic or creative expression to communicate and display the people's agony since it acts as a voice for the voiceless. The urge to provide a solution to negative aspects occurring in the vicinity can also encourage the development of a work of expression. Moreover, works of expression can be developed to preserve history for future generations as observed in module two. This way, they can identify with their ancestors' historical situations and cultures. Creative expression can impact the people in the surrounding in many positive or negative ways. However, negative expressions are punishable and discouraged since they sow seeds of discord among people. On the other hand, positive impact can be promoted by getting people to notice what is happening around them. This evokes a sense of awareness among them, influencing their decisions on behavior change or the need for government intervention where necessary. In addition, useful information such as tax and rights awareness is passed among people. Therefore, people can make informed protests against the denial of their rights and freedom.

Arising questions include; how can one use culture to inspire a work of expression? How can creative expression impact people's culture? Can one’s values be affected by other people’s expressions? And how? All these questions seek to understand the relationship between creative expressions and people’s cultural beliefs and personal values. An in-depth analysis of the impacts of creative expressions needs to be considered in answering these questions. Through studying and observing people's way of life, one can establish a creative expression to portray their attitudes and feelings ("Creative expression | Play and development | KABOOM!", 2022) concerning the culture. Through the works, cultural sustainability can be ensured by preserving aspects of people's way of life. These can be read from literature and arouse a sense of belonging and identity among people. Moreover, the need to eliminate toxic practices is encouraged, affecting society's norms. The values of an individual can be affected by the creative works of expression by others. The expressions can change people’s points of view regarding some aspects. For instance, from module two work, one can view the beauty of historical situations without the inclination of bitterness and anger due to the injustices of colonialism. The positive impacts created due to the presence of colonists can be explored and recognized. Moreover, the need to express more value towards present situations is promoted. Hence establishing values that lead to a more meaningful life and healthy decision-making.

Through the analysis of the creative expressions, the people’s values, points of view, and cultural responses can be influenced for the better. Individuals can appreciate their current situations in comparison to historical records of life. They can derive the need to establish and maintain their rights and freedom and induce a peaceful environment. In addition, people's artistic and observation skills are enhanced as they exhibit a keen interest in societal occurrences.

References

Creative expression | Play and development | KABOOM!. KABOOM!. (2022). https://kaboom.org/resources/build-playground-toolkit/accessibility/play-and-development/creative-expression#:~:text=Painting%2C%20coloring%2C%20writing%2C%20making,world%20and%20practice%20visual%20communication.