Read on Twitter
Been thinking about one of the questions @wkamaubell relayed to me during our NYPL event earlier tonight, which was basically: In a time like this, for an artist, should I be doing more than just writing? It was a good q, so my thoughts are still chewing on it. Thx, questioner.
The question is at around 19:00 in the video.
My initial response centered on the power that art has. There is no "just writing" when it comes to things that influence our Zeitgeist. Here is the interesting thread I referred to, about how 1 actor's bias influenced how TV portrays cops for years. https://twitter.com/WillMcAvoyACN/status/1272665935317471233
But I also have a simpler answer. Basically: what you're good at? What you're capable of? Do that. Do what you can. Some of us are suffering a lot right now, so take care of yourself first. But if you can? Do *something,* because my God, the world needs change right now.
Good at organizing? Organize. Run for office! But if you're not good at that but you ARE good at, oh, dismantling bronze statues -- as a completely hypothetical example -- then there is work you can do. Doesn't have to be fancy, tho. Good cook? The revolution gotta eat.
If you can do more than 1 thing, even better! I've been donating $, emailing City Council members, & going to local protests. A friend is doing spreadsheets for an org helping immigrants prepare asylum cases. Another is doing free graphic design for t-shirts.
Do. What. You can.
Do. What. You can.
And if what you are good at is art? Make it the best art you can. Don't flinch from ugliness. Research to get things right.
Take care of yourself, too. Remember all of this is labor, and rt now we're under daily emotional/psychological assault. Maybe help others with that too.
Take care of yourself, too. Remember all of this is labor, and rt now we're under daily emotional/psychological assault. Maybe help others with that too.
OK, now off to chill for the evening. 'Night, all!
