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This list grows even further when we add things like the art of writing, the art of cooking, the art of dance, the art of…well, I think by now you get the point. As you can see the list seems endless. However, while we’ve described various art forms, the question still remains; what is art?
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I don’t think there’s any one satisfactory definition, but in a nut shell it’s an intellectual expression of human creativity and imagination. I know it’s kind of a simplistic answer, yet if you read the definition again, you begin to understand its deeper implications. More particularly as it relates to the personal connection one has during the creative process.
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Something that has always resonated with me, not only during my growth as an artist, but even today as I continue to explore my creativity, comes from one of my favorite art teachers who described art as, “the development of a personal language.” This certainly rings true as I sit here and express myself through the written word.
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One of the biggest impacts on the creative process is the exploration of what makes you tick. In essence you’re investigating what makes you think the way you do, why are you doing what you do and what is it you’re trying to say. All of this is influenced by the world around us. From past experiences to present day events, they all play a role in how an artist expresses themselves.
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And while art is a creator’s personal expression, so too is the way it’s perceived by the one viewing it. Belief systems, ideologies and life experiences all play into this reaction. Unless an artist is purposefully trying to shock their audience, this response is generally something that can’t be controlled. Because once a work ventures into the public domain it opens itself to all kinds of reactions, emotions and opinions.
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One such opinion occurred in last week’s “Tuesday’s Thoughts” when I wrote that the United States leads the world in deaths caused by the current pandemic. While I used the total number of deaths per country, someone replied that this was inaccurate because, “you can’t compare the U.S. population to smaller countries without using death per capita.” Yes, this is one way to look at the statistic. However, if this statistic is chosen, then other data must be included that takes into account a country’s testing capabilities, demographics and the overall effectiveness of their healthcare system.
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In the end, the final tally is the one that will be remembered the most. Whether it be the outbreak of diseases such as AIDS or Ebola, the crash of an airplane or the systematic repression of a group of people (Uighurs in China); comparing their tragedies as a per capita statistic to the rest of a given society in no way represents the catastrophes they went, or are currently going, through. Whether it is a sporting event such as the Super Bowl, World Cup or the Olympic Games, it’s the final score that determines the winner. No matter how you chose to view the data, the United States with all its abundance, capabilities and knowledge is at the top of the list (total deaths) or in the top ten (per capita) and this is something that we as a country should not be proud of.
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Having such a heavy discussion regarding covid-19 mortality doesn’t exactly resonate a positive vibe or a bathe you in a warm ray of sunshine. In no way does it take into account the personal misfortunes and heartbreaks that have befallen those who’ve watched their family and friends die. In no way does it provide solace to those who’ve had to witness such events. So the question arises, could all of this have been avoided?
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The short answer is no. No matter who was in charge, at some point the virus would have made its way into our country. However, could the infections and mortality caused by the pandemic have been better controlled? In my opinion, yes.
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The first word in U.S.A. is united. Our top leader has had plenty of opportunities to bring us together and provide a unifying message so as to better combat the pandemic. Unfortunately, he has done nothing of the sort. Instead he has created and maintained a rift within our society. If at some point he had promoted unity, I bet the pandemic’s numbers wouldn’t be where they are today. I bet my thirty-eight coworkers wouldn’t have lost their jobs. I bet the stressors associated with school and work that impacts so many people would be significantly diminished.
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No matter what I say or how I express myself, it’s your choice on how to interpret and react to what I’ve written. It’s your choice to believe, not believe or simply find it entertaining. It’s your right to have an opinion and I have no intention or desire to suppress it.
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There has been much discussion regarding the division that exists and the need for people to come together. I wish it was that easy to bring unity, but the current climate hinders such an ideal. However, if we take a moment to understand ourselves and the way we react, maybe we can all take that one small step that brings us closer to each other.
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I still believe the majority of us want to be in this together, let’s not be too close together while we’re all in it.