Man disheartened by negative rage posting steps out to make a difference—one bowl of tea at a time

The internet has been a versatile space for wholesome and positive sharing; however, some parts of it also contain negativity and disheartening news, whether it's body-shaming, online trolling, internet wars, or even news about the sad realities of today. There is ample content that can bring us down. Amid these challenges, we look for the light, clinging to small bits of inspiration. Pierre Sernet, a French artist and photographer, was on a quest for light amid the slandering and heartbreaking mass media, according to My Modern Met. The man, however, took proactive steps to counter the negativity and add his share of light—one bowl of tea at a time. 

As a photographer, Sernet was well acquainted with the internet and the rash postings. According to him, the anonymous, violent postings made after the 9/11 attacks were having a distorted effect on people, leading them to adopt a completely unacceptable mindset. He noted, “Freedom of speech and dissent without fear are the cornerstones of American democracy.” However, people were misusing this freedom to spread hatred across the internet. That’s when Sernet launched "Guerrilla Tea" from the "One" series in January 2003, featured in one of Japan’s largest newspapers, Yomiuri Shimbun.

“I felt I could at least use artwork to address what I saw as the total lack of respect for other people, cultures, and lifestyles,” he noted. 

The series captured the simple yet profound act of sharing a cup of tea with a stranger, embodying the four concepts of the tea ceremony: harmony, purity, tranquility, and respect. "These are values I feel strongly about, so you could say they reflect my own values," Sernet explained. He created a portable setting using wooden sticks to resemble a cozy cubicle, establishing a space for sharing traditional Japanese tea with strangers. With a tatami mat, a traditional tea set, and freshly prepared matcha, the artist would patiently sit and wait for a volunteer to join him, per Sabukaru Online.

The artist shared his experience in a video titled “T³” where he prepared his space and tea in Times Square, New York City. Watching him set up the space while several passersby observe and express themselves vividly is enchanting. Having accomplished this subtle yet magical act in approximately 30 different countries, no setting is too strange and no volunteer is too hesitant for this ceremony. Be it the busy streets, chilly mountains, or any other space, every background and personality is welcome to share a bowl of tea. With this simple and soothing beverage, the volunteer pauses from the busy strut and realizes there’s so much more to explore and appreciate in this mosaic of a world. 

@_leavesandflowers shared a post citing Sernet's words, "Despite our seemingly incompatible values or lifestyles, a moment of time shared through a simple bowl of tea can allow diverse peoples and cultures to cohabit in harmony." Through a humble conversation and 30 to 40 minutes spent with a total stranger, Sernet enhances the values of mutual understanding and learning, building a warm and genuine friendship with his guests. “‘One,’ the name of this series, refers to my one-time one-meeting with people from all around the world. Through the uniqueness of my tea encounters, I want to emphasize to viewers the importance of each moment we live in,” Sernet concluded.