Area G
Human ResponsibilityG1
FERTILIZATION – CONCEPTION.
Sculpture by Kelvin Ferrnado, Mvurvi Tengenenge Art Community, Zimbabwe
Life is incredibly fertile, and its methods astonishingly varied! Flowers attract winged creatures to deposit male pollen to fertilize female flowers. Other creatures lay eggs, including some mammals. Biologists believe that life evolved from simple organisms that could reproduce themselves asexually to more complex male and female organisms, like human beings, that reproduce through sexual intercourse. Sexual reproduction requires more energy and yields a smaller number of offspring, but involves genetic diversification, creating the ability to adapt to a changing environment. The birth of every organism is one of the great miracles of life.
Have you ever seen a birth take place?
G2
BIRTH – DELIVERY
Sculpture by Prosper Chirooza, Tengenenge Art Community, Zimbabwe
Reproduction has its costs and risks, both for the parents and the growing organism; premature birth and abortion are two of these. Abortion is a tragic and controversial issue connected to the rights of the child, as well as those of the mother and father. Society is being asked to consider ways of helping these mothers understand deeply the many issues connected to birth or abortion, and to help the mother meet her needs.
Have you ever seen a birth take place?
G3
PREGNANCY
Sculpture by Agrippa Tirigu Chitungwiza Arts Center Zimbabwe
Pregnancy, although physically challenging, is typically a much-cherished time of hope, constituting the longed for fruit of the love of a couple. Not only the couple, but the extended family and community typically celebrate the pregnant woman whose body is carrying within it new, innocent life. Throughout her pregnancy, whether single or in relationship, a woman deserves and needs all the support she can receive.
How do you feel when you see a pregnant woman in her last months?
G4
BABY KICKING
Sculpture by Agnew Masango, Roots of Expression Studio, Lusaka, Zambia
The first time the mother feels the baby kicking will communicate the visceral sense that, indeed, a new life is stirring within. The parents will experience with joy the reality that they anticipate with the birth of their progeny. The most painful and risky part of the pregnancy is at the delivery stage, when complications may be faced. Most countries are now prioritizing investments in safe delivery for the mother and child. How precious it is, and what a great relief, to see a healthy mother and child after a safe delivery!
What does a fetus do inside the womb in addition to kicking?
G5
MOTHER AND CHILD
Sculpture by Shelton Mubayi, Harare Zimbabwe
One of the characteristic attributes of human beings is parental love and especially motherly love. As the most evolved species on Earth, all human beings bear a great responsibility to follow the “Golden Rule” to love and treat one another as one would like to be treated. And take care of all life forms and the environment we live in. Love of parents for their children and children for their parents is the first great love and the most precious means we have, to enable each of us to achieve our enormous human potential as a responsible being, equal in dignity and respect.
How are parental love and nurturance evolving in our modern world?
G6
FAMILY
Sculptor unknown Revival Shona Arts Center, Zimbabwe
The family, most everyone agrees, is the self-sustaining foundation of society. First and foremost, it includes two people who pledge their love and commitment to support and care for each other and to help each other to achieve their respective potential in life. Within its rich matrix, family life often includes the creation of new life; raising and nourishing children by providing them with physical sustenance and the love and guidance needed to achieve their potential in life as contributing members of society.
What kinds of families exist in our country and is there a role for society to help them?
G7
SINGLE MOTHER
Sculpture by Agnew Masango, Roots of Expression Studio, Lusaka, Zambia
The image of a single mother bringing up children by herself with limited means, whether due to painful abandonment or the death of her husband, is understood by everyone as a great symbol of responsibility, love and self-sacrifice, even more so when poverty is a constant companion. In what areas of our life do we aspire to show great responsibility and even sacrifice?
G8
LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Sculpture by Agnew Masango, Roots of Expression Studio, Lusaka, Zambia
“No one can be fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he or she love him or her. By one’s love one is enabled to see the essential traits and features of in the beloved person; and even more, one sees that which is the potential of the beloved, which is not yet actualized. Further, by one’s love the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities… sex is a way of expressing the experience of that ultimate togetherness which is called love.” (Dr. Victor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning)
What does it mean to be lovable?
G9
CUSTODIAN
Sculpture by Tom Pheri Roots of Expression Studio, Lusaka, Zambia
No human being has power over another human being. But human beings may have authority over other human beings, emanating from the nature of the responsibility they bear. The responsibility they may bear may be inherent – as in the instance of parents over their children, bestowed on them – as in the instance of secular and religious authorities, or assumed – as in the instance of a good Samaritan. And in all such instances, custodians are accountable and must exercise their responsibilities and authority fully respecting the dignity and rights of others, and in the best interest of those whom they serve. To truly appreciate this perspective, we need to distinguish between the use of the words “power” and “authority” and start to understand and define the word “power” as an abuse of one’s responsibilities and associated authority.
G10
GANDHI
Sculptor Unknown, Bhartiya Murti Kala Kendra, Jaipur, India
Gandhi (1869-1948) was raised in India, educated as a lawyer in UK, worked in South Africa to end apartheid and, despite seven years of imprisonment, led the long campaign for Indian independence from Britain. What distinguished him was his simplicity, unwavering commitment to non-violence and his vision of an India where Hindu and Muslim were at peace with each other. Greatly loved as a living example of India’s ancient spiritual teachings and for his concern with the common people, his funeral procession was joined by over two million people.
Why did so many people love Gandhi?