On Thursday, David Byrne‘s solution-based online magazine Reasons to be Cheerful announced a new multimedia editorial initiative dubbed “We Are Not Divided.” This new series will feature a mix of editorial content all focused on bridging the perceived divide between peoples around the world.
“We Are Not Divided” comes as the latest initiative from the former Talking Heads frontman’s Reasons to be Cheerful outlet. Launched in 2019, the publication seeks to provide positive stories and a generally uplifting spin on the day’s events as so many news outlets focus on the negative aspects of society.
In “We Are Not Divided”, readers will find a mix of editorial content featuring dozens of written features, infographics, video content, as well as original illustrations hand-drawn by Byrne. Together, all of these stories and imagery will focus on the ways that humans are moving toward one another rather than away. The six-week series launched on Thursday and will run through November 2nd.
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“This series is hopeful at a time when that is in short supply,” Byrne said in a press release. “I realize the title might come as a shock. Not divided? Are you kidding me? What world are you living in? I am more than a little aware of what’s happening, but the truth is there is evidence that we can find ways to come together – I have to believe that or I would sink into despair. Luckily, there are people and initiatives out there that we can look to for inspiration, and boy do we need it.”
The first three stories from the “We Are Not Divided” series are available now on Reasons to be Cheerful. They focus on the unlikely friendship between a conservative postal worker and gay IT designer that stands as a paradigm for the progress of pro-LGBT legislation in Ireland, as well as a “pro-voice” campaign that provides non-partisan abortion services to people of all beliefs and backgrounds, and a student movement to depolarize colleges and reopen the door to a healthy debate.
Visit the Reasons to be Cheerful website to learn more about the “We Are Not Divided” series. Watch an announcement video for the series below.
“We Are Not Divided” Announcement Video