Art may be helpful in that. A work of art, at least when it is somehow related to a societal phenomenon, may help to interpret, to reflect, and consequently to position ourselves. It may help to expand our awareness of of the world around us (refer Robert Irwin). Such forms of art should not be locked up in museums or art galleries. Their place is in the public arena.
I am fully aware that my work is often too abstract for have such an effect. I should work on that. The influx of refugees, for instance, how do we question that through art? That is quite a challenge.