If entertainment is a distraction from the mundane, a moment of respite from labour, a truthful poke at life through the eyes of an artist, should we be using it to champion justice in the face of injustice.
Some would say that a musical performance should just be that. A musical performance! Others would point to the Billy Brags of the world and say that art and performance have a history of activism, social justice, and rebellion.
Certainly there are examples of Art for Art sake and examples of Art with purpose but should we be using Celebrity status to advocate for the poor, the voiceless, the persecuted, or for ideology.
I have been amazed and disgusted at times by artists using they're status to advocate for issues related to politics and social justice. Astounded when the artist is intelligent and articulate with a breadth of knowledge and ashamed by those that use Social justice issues as publicity stunts with no personal knowledge of the subject.
We are a celebrity driven culture and for that reason it is obvious that the Social Justice network, non-profits and revolutionary visionaries need the celebrity to break through the white noise and apathy of society.
So tell me, when is it grand and when is it the rants of fools?
I have my opinion but I want to know what your thoughts are.
0 comments:
Post a Comment