Jekyll Island Beach 2012

Jekyll Island Beach 2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Politics and Art Cannot Mate Successfully!!

The Rogue Speaks:

One Party's Idea of Creating Art


Several months ago, we received an invitation to a party at the home of a couple who are a little more than acquaintances, but not really friends. They are a nice, cheerful couple, and we have gone out to dinner with them a few times in the past.

I declined their invitation, even though I knew the food would be fabulous. The reason I declined is that they had a guest of honor--a fellow who is running for the U.S. Congress, against a person whom I helped vote into office last time around. He was expecting a donation for his war chest. I have a firm and fast rule about NOT discussing politics or religion with anyone, and I have an even firmer rule about giving money to people who don't need it to put food on their tables, or clothes on their backs.

People seem to have become pretty vicious about politics these days, and I don't need that meanness in my life. It destroys my creative spirit, and makes me want to slap that meanness right out of those vicious folks.   For the most part, I am finding that an awful lot of people are merely parroting what they have heard from the slick politicians without really understanding what those politicians are actually saying.  Countering those views usually ends with the person sticking fingers in ears and singing, “Lalalalalalalalala!”

I have found that when a certain brand of politician is voted into office, the muses suffer. Art and music programs are dropped from the schools, and grants for non-profit art organizations seem to just go up in smoke. Cuts are made to education because some narrow-minded people just don't care about our children's future.  Young people NEED the arts in their lives in order to become well-rounded adults. We had art and music classes in school when I was a kid, and I still remember just how interesting and fun they were. I cannot say that those classes made me normal by any stretch of the imagination, but I do feel that I am well-rounded, and not from eating pizza, either. Educational studies have proven that students who are exposed to art and music classes are much better at math and science. 

If you are not an artist, and you are reading this just because you are a friend, and if you have children or grandchildren in a school without an art program, don't despair! Your progeny can still reap the benefit of having art in their lives.  If you expose your children to art and music when they are young, believe me, it will stick with them.  Do art projects with them at home (like our Jenny, and JDaniel’s mom do)!  Put their art up on the walls in your house!  Let them know that you are proud of their creativity!  Find galleries and museums in your town that hold art classes for children.

Picasso once said, "Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life." Our lives have become pretty dusty these days, and not only from greenhouse gas emissions, and oil spills, who deserves the most tax breaks, and which religion is America’s only true way of life. All the dirt that the politicians are throwing around is polluting our souls, and making us sick at heart and unhappy with the state of affairs. Do something healthy for yourself--make art a part of your everyday life, and see just how much better you feel.

If you thought that this post was going to be about the mating rituals of artists and politicians, so sorry to disappoint you.   Now head on over to Miss Jenny’s class, Alphabe-Thursday, and read the other students’ lessons!

31 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Important post, Judie. It's true that if the schools can't supply the art and music, then parents can. But first, parents need to know how important art and music are to the well-being of every child. Sadly, I'm quite sure many feel art and music are just frills.

Anonymous said...

I do agree that art is important, and I am very tired of politics. This might just be a perfect p post!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Hah! I knew EXACTLY what you meant as soon as I read the title. We are so lucky here because our tax base provides enough money to the schools to keep some of the arts in place. Utah is surprisingly art friendly. It's such a part of a rounded person to understand art that it amazes me there are those who can't see how important it is to our children to keep it alive in school.

wonderful, as always!

xxoo,

RMW

Jo said...

BEST POST EVER!!!
hugs
jo

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post ~ it is a wild combination ~ Good for you for taking a stand for what you believe ~ (A Creative Harbor)

VBR said...

Somewhere along the way to the present time, art/music/theatre in schools seems to have gone away, just as the teaching of penmanship. Why? Who knows. Money is the usual answer. But, money is still available for sports (no offense to anyone of the sports minded).
Politics and religion are two areas that I never discuss with anyone. So I certainly understand your feelings with regard to that.
A thought provoking post.

Esther Joy said...

I agree with the importance of art. I've seen how much it has helped my granddaughter to introduce her to various types of art and literature. Also liked your quote by Picasso.

21 Wits said...

You always make me laugh! Even through all the serious stuff, your delivery is wonderful. The slapping part, oh yeah I could do some of that too, no not really, well actually yes really, but we have to be nice right?!!! It's funny about the art thing, cuz we do have lots of programs and some not so spendy, even ways for free stuff,(outside of the schools) if we bother to check it out. I went to a pre-school class today and got a peek at where my grandson is going, and I WANT to go TOO! Gee that room had it all, right down to water bottles with two colors, that when mixed together the the red and blue became purple, then once you set it down it went back to red on the top and blue on the bottom. The teachers made this from home! :)Yes life offers us lots of Miss Jennys right! (and yes I have always offered art and supplies in my house) Schools around here do ask parents to supply any free extra things for art too. If we can share. I better quit now! Hope you are getting settled in! :)

anitamombanita said...

I couldn't live without art. Very sensitive post from you, my dear Judie. Well done!

Leovi said...

Yes, politicians are degrading ... and more.

Jim said...

Right on, Judy. There are a lot of people who have hardened their stance toward the arts. Some I never would have expected.

I stay out of conversations too because of where we live. Most every one is bigoted like the proverbial 'new rich.'

Once in a while I cannot help myself. Tonight I mentioned how I could identify with _____ because of the holes we used to have in our cars, some of which were duck taped over to keep the rain out.
..
My "P" Words are here, http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/09/alphabe-thursday-letter-p.html
..

Unknown said...

My favorite pieces of art in our home are the ones my guy created. Thank you so much for mentioning us.

Jo-Ann Sanborn said...

Good one, Judy! Right on. We must find ways to ensure the next generation value art and music.

Maxwell Mead Williams Robinson Barry said...

politics and art cannot mate,

true.

they do connect, successful politics need arts as part of it.

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

great post as always!

SarahBeth said...

I am so glad that our schools foster the arts, perhaps less so now than when my children were in school, but at least they are exposed! My granddaughter has art, Spanish and music classes throughout the week and these are so important for a well-rounded education. Her art is displayed all over her parent's house, and mine ... and that makes her very proud.

Very important, and thought provoking, post!

My name is Riet said...

I believe you right away as in our country it is not much different and it is my rule too, don't speak about politics.

Susan Anderson said...

When our public elementary schools lost their art funding, we volunteered as parents to be art docents and taught the classes ourselves. It was a great solution, and we had lots of fun doing it. I think I learned as much as the kids did!

=)

Annesphamily said...

Oh Judie! You write like a dream! I am saving my political post for the letter Q! Ha Ha! Nothing weird or mean I promise. Just a few truthful facts! LOL!
I love the arts. I have an artsy daughter. Hannah is a free spirit who loves art and doing strange things with crayons and such, like melting them into the most awesome art! Sigh! Great post! If I were the teacher you would be an A plus Plus Plus! Hugs Anne

Lmkazmierczak said...

Most excellent post♫

Magyar said...

Glad your nearly settled in; it is good to hear from you!
__It seems my energies are slowly heading back to the "Blog Beach."

Are there any statesmen left? Just this thought, perhaps a new definition?

Politicians:
Termites, in this cord of firewood, quickly turning it...
to dust.

Soon. _m

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

I agree with you on how important it's for children to learn music and to be creative.

I hung all of my kids' art works on the wall.

JJ said...

The art of debate has disappeared in the USA, but I am always game.

Sadly, in tough economic times, the arts are always the first to go. In my opinion, they are as important as the three Rs.

Unfortunately, in the political blame game, any elected official entrusted with the burden of controlling the finances of the populace must find places to cut budgets, and are hanged in effigy when they succeed.

Unless people exit the clouds and begin to understand that there are billions of education dollars wasted on ridiculous academic programs that benefit the few, the powers that be will continue to slash the arts to the detriment of our children.

There is much more to politics than name-calling and jokes. As an Independent, I always vote for politicians who actually serve, not dictate.

.

Along These Lines ... said...

Good pins!

Gattina said...

Ignorance is the best weapon for ambitious politicians ! The more ignorant people are, the more they believe everything which they say.
That's why already in slavery times, slaves where not allowed to learn to read and write, otherwise there would have been a revolution earlier. So cut the budget for education !

Judie said...

Gattina makes an EXCELLENT point!! I had never thought of that in the context of slaves, but the dumbing down of television programs is also a good example. Don't give 'um the facts--just give 'um something stupid to laugh about.

The Poet said...

My dear Judie,
Sometimes I could just run and HUG you!! Yes, children are the future, but sadly, men that wants power sometimes don't ever see it that way. I also loved art as a boy, but realized that poetry was my desire (smile). Thank you for always making me smile my dear and SWEET friend!!

Wanda said...

I also recall that our high school offered a wide variety of artistic alternatives including band, orchestra, chorus, drama, and art classes. It's a shame these opportunities aren't always available to young people today because each of them provides experiences the kids aren't likely to have in any other way than at school.

Splendid Little Stars said...

true.
I hate all the ugliness of politics. lots of dust.
One thing amazes me--"intelligent" people pass stuff around on the internet without even checking its veracity.
I love that Picasso quote--"Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life."
I went to a college prep high school--no art or music for me. I think my HS offered one music appreciation class.
My kids on the other hand did have art and music. Both were in band--marching and symphonic as well as jazz band. I learned a lot about music from their involvement. They also took art classes.
Although I studied science in college, I believe art is my first love. There is the merging of art and science--this I truly love.

Birgit said...

Judie,

Great post and quite a lot of food for thought. Well, yeah, even here in Germany we notice that things are getting nastier in the American political scene. I still hope for the best though...

Art and music classes are part of the German curriculum. Much like you I loved them. Art and music can heal after all -- especially during hard times. Have you ever heard of the Kinshasa Symphony? Read here:

http://www.kinshasa-symphony.com/index.php?id=7&L=0

(If a German text appears, click on the British flagg on top of the page.)

More food for thought and kudos to those brave people!

Of course, I would love to welcome you back to my blog. Currently, I even have two giveaways -- details are on the left sidebar of my blog.

Sunny greetings from Munich,
Birgit

Jenny said...

You and I have such similar views on donating and supporting.

I'm tellin' ya Judie. You need to run for office. You are so charismatic and intelligent...your views so well defined and logical. You would have my vote...and I would even donate to YOUR war chest!

Hope things are well there. My voice is working a bit better day by day! I shall call you very soon!

Thanks for linking.

A+

PS. Still waiting on your new address.