One Mans Pain

The ISU topics portrayed in the shaman are The Exploitation of Labour Workers by
Corporations and Corporations and the Exploitation of Inadequate Environmental Regulations.
Corporations seek to reduce the costs of production, but often this comes as a result of the
exploitation of both labour workers and the environment. The rights of labour workers are often
entirely disregarded by being forced to work long hours in harsh conditions with little pay.
Corporations also often take advantage of a lack of environmental regulations which leads to
unsustainable deforestation, poor waste management, and the destabilization of ecosystems. Both
the environment and labour workers face a loss of identity, represented by the pins in the
shaman's head that blind and silence it. This theme is also conveyed by the single shoe on the
base.The Logic of Evil is represented through the computer. If the viewer looks through the
screen, they see money around the shaman, showing how corporations view this as an
opportunity to increase profits. The shaman, however, only has a few pennies in its hand,
symbolising both, their pay, and how little corporations invest to protect the environment. The
clothing of the shaman represents corporations covering up their unethical practices, but the
hole in the shirt reveals rope tied around where the stomach should be, because the workers are
given almost nothing and the environment is reduced to almost nothing. The chain shows how
the workers are trapped and often are chained to their stations. The clock then represents the idea
that these actions can not go on forever as eventually, specifically with the environment, will
leave nothing left. The backdrop represents the impact of consumerism. Among them are a few
articles on climate change, demonstrating the rise of environmentalism and the role consumers
play in solving both issues. There are some bandages on the trunk with the logos for Amnesty
International and the Centre for International Environmental Law, showing how these
organizations are trying to help, but not doing enough to combat the damage on their own.

Jacob Roberti
Michelle Stepanek