The subtext of crisis is the subject of the fall 2009 edition of Schlossplatz 3 the student-run journal of the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin. In its seventh issue the journal examines the omnipresence of the word in daily life. In the opening editorial the editors question if overexposure to the word itself blunts "us emotionally in the face of what actually matters."
Contributors examine the nuances of crisis with articles about its nature as compared to challenge; our response to crises of different kinds - humanitarian to climate; the exploitation of catastrophes by politicians and media and the management of critical incidents by companies and governments.
The physical Schlossplatz 3 has always been a joy to behold - wonderfully designed with easy-to-read fonts and illustrations to enhance enjoyment of the text - but the fall '09 edition deserves special mention. The editors have cleverly "marked up" the pages of the magazine with red pen including margin notes and editing directions as if crisis had intervened in the journal's production. Noteworthy is the illustration in the centre spread.
You can download a PDF copy of the journal at http://www.hertie-school.org/binaries/addon/1484_sph3_nr7_090907_rz_72dpi.pdf and follow the Schlossplatz 3 Blog at: http://www.hertie-school.org/schlossplatz3/