Art and the Self

While I don't agree with the aims or goals of this site, I really did like this article. It talks about how the aim of the Humanities has been subverted over the years and it has misplaced how we view the intellectual life. Humanities is one of the programs that is being cut out of a lot of colleges.

People will argue that it isn't needed. Degrees should help people get jobs, nothing more. Other people believe that Humanities are needed to help people understand artistic and philosophical concepts, but only to the end of creating new things for profit. Others believe the Humanities are important because it helps to shape better citizens and give us a firm understanding of how to progress as a people.

The article laments the fact that we no longer view the intellectual as someone who explores their intelligence and creativity simply for the sake of it being a vital human experience. It is a part of our lives that can be about us and only us. It doesn't have to improve our social standing or the other people in the community. Art, creativity, and thinking are something we can do for our own sake.

If you read the blog, you know how I feel about this. All people are creative. All people should be encouraged to explore that side of themselves because creativity is vital to our survival. It helps us to find solutions to problems. It helps us to relax. It helps us to occupy our time in a way that has meaning . . . though when I think about how many hours I've spent rolling yarn into balls, it's possible I'm wrong on that last one.

Anyway, I agree with the article that art should never be taught as ONLY a means towards profit, though at the same time, I do believe we should teach people to value their creations and demand a proper amount for them if they do sell them. I also do not believe that art should be used as a way to 'teach people to think the proper things.' In fact, I think that's evil. The art that has survived over the ages will affect everyone in different ways. I don't think it is the role of the instructor to tell people how to feel or think about art, only to give the history and details of the art. Open up a discussion, yes. Tell people how to feel? Never.