Markets and Roles

Matthew Freeman says that I sound "unnecessarily exasperated" about the lack of economic discussion among artists and writers. I could say that I don't mean to take people to task, but that wouldn't be honest.

But I will say that after I wrote the entry and went to bed, I thought about how it might be unfair for me to judge others by my values. For instance, we all have a different definition of what it means to be a writer or artist. Maybe for some people, it doesn't include understanding how society works.

It reminds me of numerous interviews I've read where the reporter asks the writer: "Why write?" The writer responds: "Because I like to tell stories."

For some people, that's it. For others, there's something more to the story.

In 2004, I made some misguided attempts at describing my values as a writer. Like other people who have attempted this kind of discussion, I ran into two problems. A) It was difficult to talk in absolutes and B) Others felt invalidated by the entire enterprise.

Saying what an artist "should be" leaves others to question if they are "the right kind" of artist.

Which is why I never made another attempt to describe my values or what I believe my role is as a writer.

Maybe it's time to open that discussion again...

Comments

[Scott Walters]

I think it is great that you are sensitive to others -- God knows there are people who wish I was half as much so, and there are days when I agree with them. However, I would also argue that being silent invalidates people. It is so easy for artists to feel isolated, as if their beliefs are shared by nobody else, and that they can count on nobody for support in their struggles. When we don't, as artists, discuss our values, we tacitly support the status quo, because we offer up no alternative to the default narrative that comes through out media. Furthermore, we need to strengthen the artistic community, and we do so by being honest with each other so that our values become deeper and more multi-faceted, and we form alliances with those with whom we share values. I don't think we do anyone a favor by keeping our values a secret. I hope you will share your values, especially since I suspect those values will provide an alternative.