Report on the Professional Philosophy of Kristen Bell and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the career trajectory and creative methodology of actress Kristen Bell, as detailed in a recent interview. The analysis focuses on the alignment of her professional choices and thematic concerns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and peaceful societies.

Career Development and Strategic Partnerships: A Model for SDG 8 and SDG 5

Professional Philosophy and Decent Work (SDG 8)

Kristen Bell’s career reflects a commitment to strategic growth and authenticity, principles that align with the promotion of sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all (SDG 8). Her approach is guided by key principles:

• Strategic Collaboration: Following advice from colleague Ted Danson to “find the smartest people in the room and hitch your horse to them,” Bell’s career demonstrates an emphasis on forming effective partnerships, a concept central to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Authentic Specialization: Bell has focused on roles that leverage her authentic personality, described as “weird” and “quirky.” This strategy of “staying in your lane” fosters a sustainable career path built on genuine strengths, contributing to the creative economy.

Advancing Gender Equality through Media (SDG 5)

Through her character portrayals, Bell contributes to the discourse on gender equality (SDG 5). By embodying characters that are thoughtful, quirky, and intelligent, she provides nuanced representations of women in media, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more diverse and equitable portrayal of female identity.

The “Emotional Math” of Acting: Fostering Empathy and Well-being (SDG 3 & SDG 16)

A Methodology for Building Inclusive Societies

Bell describes her acting process as “emotional math,” a calculated method for generating audience empathy and connection. This technique serves as a tool for fostering the understanding necessary for peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).

1. Foundation of Authenticity: The process begins with the principle that a character must be a blend of her own authentic self (50%) and the character’s specific qualities (50%).
2. Calculated Emotional Response: Bell consciously calculates the required levels of sympathy and empathy for each scene to guide the audience on an emotional journey.
3. Objective: The goal is to create a performance that is authentic and “real,” thereby building a bridge of understanding between the character and the viewer.

This method of crafting relatable characters directly supports the development of empathy, a crucial component for building peaceful and just institutions.

Contribution to Mental Well-being (SDG 3)

By creating emotionally intelligent and authentic content, Bell’s work contributes to good health and well-being (SDG 3). Media that promotes empathy and understanding can have a positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of its audience, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity.

Narrative Focus on Common Ground: Supporting SDG 10 and SDG 16

Using Storytelling to Reduce Inequalities

Bell’s recent projects, including The Good Place and Nobody Wants This, utilize narrative to explore and dismantle societal divisions. This thematic focus directly addresses the goals of reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting peaceful societies (SDG 16).

• Exploring Lines of Demarcation: Her work examines conflicts arising from differences in faith, socioeconomic background, and personal beliefs.
• Highlighting Shared Humanity: The central thesis of these narratives is that such divisions are superficial when compared to the fundamental commonalities that unite people.
• Core Message: Bell articulates this view by stating, “The common ground is always more acreage than the differences. And people forget that.”

By centering her work on themes of unity and understanding, Bell actively uses her platform to advocate for the reduction of social and ideological inequalities, contributing to the foundation of a more peaceful and inclusive global community.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article does not explicitly mention any Sustainable Development Goals. However, the themes discussed in Kristen Bell’s interview, particularly regarding her show “Nobody Wants This,” connect to the principles of the following SDGs:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: This goal aims to reduce inequality within and among countries, including promoting the social inclusion of all, irrespective of religion or economic status. The article touches on this by discussing a narrative that explores a relationship between people with different belief systems and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: This goal includes the aim to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies.” The core message Bell conveys about finding common ground is fundamental to fostering social cohesion and building an inclusive society where differences are navigated peacefully.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the themes discussed, the following specific targets can be identified as relevant:

1. Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”
   • Explanation: Kristen Bell directly references the core elements of this target when describing the premise of her show. She notes the central conflict is between her agnostic character and a rabbi, but states, “you could insert socioeconomic backgrounds. You could insert any faith. It could be blue and red.” This highlights the show’s focus on bridging divides based on religion, economic status, and other beliefs, which is the essence of promoting social inclusion as outlined in Target 10.2.
2. Promoting Inclusive Societies (from the main description of SDG 16): While a specific numbered target is not perfectly aligned, the overarching goal of SDG 16 to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development” is strongly connected.
   • Explanation: Bell’s reflection that “The common ground is always more acreage than the differences. And people forget that,” speaks directly to the foundational principle of building an inclusive society. By creating and starring in media that explores this theme, she contributes to a cultural dialogue that encourages tolerance, understanding, and the reduction of social friction, which are necessary for peaceful and inclusive societies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any official, quantitative SDG indicators. As an interview focused on an actress’s career and creative projects, it lacks statistical data. However, the discussion implies the importance of qualitative or perception-based indicators for measuring social progress:

• Implied Indicator for Target 10.2: The article implies the importance of measuring social cohesion and perceptions of discrimination. Progress towards the goal of social inclusion could be measured by a reduction in the number of people who feel marginalized due to their beliefs or socioeconomic background. Bell’s narrative work aims to foster empathy, suggesting that a relevant measure would be an increase in positive attitudes towards people from different groups.
• Implied Indicator for SDG 16: The article’s theme of finding “common ground” suggests that progress towards a more inclusive society could be tracked through indicators related to social trust and tolerance. An increase in the public’s belief that people can live together peacefully despite differing beliefs would be a relevant measure of success for the principles discussed.

4. Table of Identified SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: laist.com