What is the role of the designer?

so im doing my research project on Stefan Sagmeister, and i stumble upon this video talking about the importance of graphic design in the world today. From the mouth of Stefan Sagmeister. Here it is



In our readings, its been said that there is a stigma with designers that they are only concerned with commercial matters. I believe that most designers have to start out that way. To create commercial designs in order to sustain a good income to tackle outside matters like, create design that serves a purpose in society etc etc.    

on other note... anybody liking the layout of our textbook? in the words of Brent... " That is soo sweeet!"   =)