Let me tell you the story of the green apple.
When I was a teenager, we analysed job adverts in high school. And one of these adverts included the image of a green apple.
In class, we discussed the purpose of the green fruit in the context of the company that was looking to hire someone.
For me, this was an important – nay, life-changing – aha moment!
Because I realised:
This green apple was there to evoke specific associations in the reader!
Such as “Oh, this company is all about health, freshness, vitality, etc.”
This wasn’t just a pretty picture of an apple – it had a purpose.
The purpose of influencing me – without me consciously realising it – to think of the advertiser in a certain way.
(Ironically, I don’t even remember the company, but the apple made a lasting impression on me.)
Now, think about the endless stream of images (such as Instagram posts, advertising, film covers on your favourite streaming platform, etc.) you are exposed to every day.
Each and every single one of these images has an intent.
Its sole purpose is to stir up emotions in you. The question is: what kind?
Are they meant to empower or to manipulate you?
The same applies to words: words have tremendous power.
If anything has become clear over the last few years, it’s that both words and images have been used on a global scale in a very particular way: the way of fear.
The way of keeping you, us, humanity scared.
Which is a popular method to make you compliant with all sorts of stuff. Because, when you’re afraid, you’ll look for someone who’ll make you feel safe again.
And you’ll follow their lead.
Just watch the news for about 5 minutes, and you’ll know what I mean.
Just observe:
What words and images are being used?
And how do they make you feel?
Or in the words of White Otter from my The Return of the White Animals oracle:
“What is the motivation behind this way of presenting information? Is it love, or is it fear?
Anyone who truly has your well-being at heart will act from a place of love, not fear.
Fear takes away your power, whereas love empowers you.”
If White Otter’s message resonates with you, and you’d like to invite her, her baby and a bunch of other White Animals into your life to help you navigate these challenging times we live in, order your copy of The Return of the White Animals oracle now (it would also make an excellent Christmas gift):
Love,
Katharina
♡
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