While some are gung ho for human rights, others, as John Stuart Mill put it, “prefer to bear almost any amount of social evil,” and instead master apathy. Far from the apathetic camp, fashion photographer Matt Spencer and song artist Jason Beckett have created “I Am Equal,” a worldwide participatory human-rights movement based in Salt Lake City and headed out on a world tour.
On Saturday, the duo will (temporarily) tattoo hands of all participating citizens with the I Am Equal logo and snap a photo. Attendants then can share the picture online, via business cards or even rally posters—anything to raise awareness, start conversations and empower individuals—from all ethnicities, religions and orientations—to stand up for their rights and fight discrimination or unequal opportunities.
“With every issue, we are either engaged in doing it or we are not,” says Beckett. And as the project is slated to visit 175 cities throughout the year, only time will tell its significance.
I Am Equal Project Photo Shoot @ Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, 150 W. 500 South, 888-802-8806, Feb. 5, free. IAmEqualProject.org