He Drove Cross-Country in a “Giant Purple Van” to Interview Inspiring Americans: Watch Footage From the Project
Scott Shigeoka embarked on a cross-country journey in his 'Curiosity Mobile,' a vibrant purple van, to counter the pervasive pessimism he felt about the state of the United States. His mission was to connect with ordinary Americans making extraordinary contributions to their communities, thereby addressing the 'belief gap'—the dissonance between Americans' desires for a cohesive democracy and their skepticism about its feasibility. Among the many stories he encountered was that of Canopy, a refugee resettlement organization in Northwest Arkansas, which extends a 'Long Welcome' to refugees, fostering deep community integration over five years rather than the typical six months.
Shigeoka's journey, documented through social media, has sparked a wave of positive responses, with followers expressing renewed hope and a desire to contribute to their own communities. His encounters with diverse individuals, from a former coal miner in West Virginia turning land into a regenerative farm, to intergenerational curiosity sessions in senior communities, illustrate the potential for collective action to bridge societal divides. Shigeoka's project underscores the power of storytelling to inspire belief in change and the importance of seeing people beyond labels, fostering a culture of curiosity and connection.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of widespread pessimism and disbelief in the possibility of a cohesive democracy in the U.S.
- The actions
- Shigeoka traveled across the country to document and share stories of individuals and communities actively working for positive change.
- Evidence of progress
- Stories like the transformation of a coalfield into a regenerative farm and the 'Long Welcome' program for refugees highlight real, impactful community initiatives.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the importance of storytelling in bridging belief gaps and the value of seeing individuals beyond societal labels to foster deeper community connections.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 9
- Engagement
- 8
- Relationships
- 10
- Meaning
- 9
- Accomplishment
- 8
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Curiosity
Scott Shigeoka's entire journey was driven by a desire to explore and share stories of Americans making a difference, as evidenced by his efforts to meet people from all walks of life.
Hope
The journey was designed to address the 'belief gap' and renew people's faith in the possibility of a caring democracy.
Kindness
The 'Long Welcome' program in Northwest Arkansas exemplifies a community's compassion and commitment to supporting refugees over the long term.
Try this today
Inspired by the story, try a 'curiosity walk' in your neighborhood. Engage with someone you haven't met before; ask about their story, listen deeply, and reflect on how their experiences might expand your understanding of your community.