Filmmaker Yolandi Franken breaks the social plight of racism

by Peter Jason Content Enthusiast

The contemporary society is drenched in a plethora of social issues. Ranging from economic gaps, health issues, human rights absence, gender inequality, complications to achieve a sustainable environment, pollution, and much more, the realm of social injustices is expanding at an alarming rate. Some may assert that these issues were part of medieval times and have been long lost, given archaic eon's banishment. Regrettably, social issues have to date clenched society and are fettering humanity's growth and development.

One prevailing snag that has wrecked the lives of many is racism. Also known as racial inequality, this refers to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people based on their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group. This belief divides humans based on their behavioral traits, physical appearances, or ethnic beliefs. Individuals who are victims of this ailment are often ridiculed and let down based on one race's superiority over another.

The roots of racism go back to the colonial age and primarily started with the invention of slavery. The slave trade gave colossal rise to this curse when the Europeans and Americans bought people from Africa against their will to forcefully work for them. They were considered as a lower class and mocked. Fast forward to today, racism is still relevant in modern times. It can be seen everywhere, including educational institutes, workplaces, political and administrative organizations, and even domestic relationships. Today, considerable differences among racial and ethnic groups continue to exist in employment, income and wealth, housing, education, criminal justice, health, and other areas. Additionally, minority groups are subjected habitually to marginalization and social exclusion.

The cumulative disadvantages of racial discrimination are prodigious, continuing to shatter the environment and the individuals present in it. It creates a massive economic gap as employment opportunities are directed towards the superiors. The rich become more affluent, and the poor become poorer. This, besides, leads to an imbalance in the world of commerce. The growth and development of the industries and workforce are hindered, thereby frustrating advancements necessary for the nations' flourishment.

An evident halt in mixing distinct cultures and races hampers knowledge about different cultures, believes, religions, and other individuals. When different cultures and races work together constructively, they give rise to exceptional productivity and creativity. There is uniqueness and the work produced is second to none. Racial discrimination prevents this mixing and curbs the possible potentiality of innovation and artistry.

Furthermore, it spreads hate and disdain. It distances earthlings from each other, which poses other repercussions. Man is a social animal and needs the attention and support of other humans to survive and progress. Isolation due to hate for other races has intense and unpleasant effects on the subconscious, forcing the individuals to commit crimes and harm others or themselves out of frustration and depression.

Writer Maya Angelou words racism in the best possible way,

"Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible."

However noteworthy is the actuality that various social workers, influencers, and otherwise individuals are raising the pressing concerns of racial injustices. They are working constructively to eliminate this curse and make society a better place for the future generation. One such change bringer that believes in eradicating racism is the passionate filmmaker Yolandi Franken from Australia. She is working extensively to raise awareness about discrimination through her magnificent work in the showbiz industry.

She has received multiple awards and substantive recognition for her top-tier films and TV projects. Some of her notable work in visual arts and feature films are listed below;

· Feature film Streets of color now in post-production, which comprises of a set of a cast of mixed cultures

· Carmen and Bolude, a buddy-comedy movie focussing on gender and racial equality which Yolandi is co-producing with Michela Carattini and starring Michela and Bolude Watson. They are all from different cultures and different races. This exciting film allows the filmmakers to cover most of the cultures residing in Australia, as Bolude is on a journey to get 100 blessings from Australia's cultures to get permission from her dad to marry an Australian man.

· New Kid at School -Tokyo Cartel, which Yolandi is producing. The director is an Egyptian-Australian, and the creators are Paul Upham and Andrew McGlinn. It is about a young mixed-race kid living in Sydney who has to fight the Tokyo Cartel to save his dad's life.

· A TV series called Tales of Tinderella based on an Amazon bestselling book of the same name, written by indigenous Australian, Julie Okely contains safety and dating advice from Simone Hamilton. Yolandi is producing this with indigenous producer Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe.

· Tabernacle 101

· Turbines

· The polisher

· Absolution

· Dark outside

· No fury

· Never innocent

The thrilling women of dreams have been active in unraveling social injustices and working on them constructively to brush aside the complication that ruins society and the individuals residing in it. For her work in the community, Yolandi was nominated Australian of the Year in 2015.