There are many approaches taken to advocacy, but one method that seems effective is the utilization of art to get a message across. In this relationship between arts and advocacy, I see the bridge between this week's topics. One example of advocacy art that comes to mind is the Obama Obey Giant which was created by the famous street artist Shepard Fairey. The image has been used both to promote and to demean Obama and his policies. The manipulation of Obama's Obey image is demonstrated by the image to the right. The article I got this image from is the same place I got the video from. The article, video, and image are perfect examples of the conservative “NEA bashing” that Nonprofit Nation speaks of (O’Neill 166).
Although there is much evidence that nonprofits dealing with the arts and the National Endowment for the Arts have positive social and economic impacts, there are many people who, for a multitude of reasons, are not in favor of the government supporting such organizations. In the case of the video, critics of Obama and the NEA claim that using art as propaganda crosses the line. Others are skeptical of government funding of the arts because they do not see any economic benefits. For example, Edward Pauly, a director of research at the Wallace Foundation, was quoted in “The Power of Nonprofits” stating that "It's clear people connect very strongly with significant arts experiences…It's not as clear that the economic benefits of the arts will always be greater than putting the same money and priorities into other investments, such as sports stadiums or malls or job development.'' The fact that investing in arts education may not reap the best “economic benefits” is not troubling to me. What is troubling is that it seems in the United States the amount of value and/or priority that surrounds something is directly related to its effectiveness as a commodity--is evidence that people connect to arts not significant enough to justify its funding?
Regardless of differing opinions regarding the arts, advocacy will remain a powerful tool for citizens to utilize. It seems that advocating to keep art in schools is becoming increasingly prevalent, and hopefully it will become as powerful as our nation's most successful advocacy efforts. Organization such as Youth Speaks allow people to find potential in themselves that might not have otherwise been accessible, and if the arts were more prevalent in United States schools as culture, perhaps more people would be able to understand the importance of their presence.
In another article I included, Dana Goia, a former NEA chairman, stated: "I dislike partisan and divisive rhetoric, no matter what side of the political spectrum if comes from...When Richard Nixon became the unlikely supporter of the NEA, one of his beliefs was that the arts should bring people of different opinions together, rather than divide them. I think that was right." I also think that is right.
It was very interesting that you made the bridge between the two topics, I definitely could not see the connection and it was helpful that you made one. It's pretty funny seeing videos of Glenn Beck I mean the guy is pretty nuts. I saw a video between Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck where even Bill realized what a quack Glenn Beck is.
ReplyDeleteI never really considered it but the Shepard Fairey portrait of Obama is definitely a good example of the bridge between the two topics. It was interesting how much influence the portrait was able to have in terms of advocacy.
I agree with you that arts should be allowed to have more influence in schooling, I feel as though we are kind of losing our hold of the traditional arts in exchange for entertainment arts, which may not necessarily be a bad thing but is definitely happening. I feel as though it is true that arts is really a non-partisan issue that shouldn't be attacked by conservatives.
Nonprofit advocacy groups, rather peaceful, radical, influential, etc. are the cornerstone of democracy and freedom of expression in the United States. They are just as important (actually more important in my opinion) than most lawmakers in Washington. Unlike so many career politicians that seem to have lost touch with the American people, advocacy groups and policy institutes provide a platform for the people to speak to government, and change it.
ReplyDeleteWhile many people disagree with Glenn Beck's politics and his demeanor in general, we need people like him (and those on the other side) to remind us of forgotten topics (rather we agree with his stance or not) and to constantly scrutinize Washington politics. We simply cannot assume that an government funded organization, while set up to effect positive change like exposing children to the arts, actually follows through on its promises. I don't think people refuse to support the work government organizations do or COULD do (like provide funding to middle schools to purchase paint brushes), they oppose the way organizations operate. Funding for the NEA is not intended to paint a pretty picture of the Whitehouse (no pun intended); it's supposed to be channeled directly to its recipients (i.e. reputable education and nonprofit programs for the arts).
You are right in pointing out that the arts are generally undervalued (or underfunded) because they are not directly linked to future return on investment. I think our school districts, who allocate our tax dollars, need to be reminded that everything is relative (i.e. learning to read music is shown to help in learning mathematics).
I feel like Glenn Beck is purely an entertainer catering to the far-right wing of conservatives. "I am going to show you the beginning of something that should scare the living daylight out of you ... the National Endowment For The Arts is holding conference calls". Most of the people watching his show have probably never head of the NEA. It is interesting to point out that Clinton cut the NEA while Bush expanded it. Obama included a great amount of funding for the arts in the stimulus bill which seems a great way to engage in Keynesian Economics. This allowing for the multiplier effect to occur pumping infusions of cash into the economy and having it recirculate. The arts is a sector that can provide both jobs and cultural enrichment, two things badly needed in the United States.
ReplyDeleteTouching on the topic of advocacy, I feel like more regulation should occur, and that corporate funding should be limited. It is the voice of the every day citizen I want to hear from rather than powerful interests such as big oil. I thought it was interesting to note that foreign governments have in the past been involved with lobbying the United States such as the Kuwait government which started the first gulf war.
I agree that nonprofit advocacy has a major impact on society, we can clearly see the effects in our government and the laws we have. I see how art can be use as a tool to advocate a issue. I disagree with the video and how Glenn Beck view the art as propaganda. Any issue can be political and controversial but the art should not be bash. I think art is a expression tool used to help people express those view more powerfully. I, too see that government sometime do not see a benefit in funding the arts so it is often not value. In regards to your opinion about the amount of value art has towards the community, I think just people connect to the arts does not mean it should be funded. Any funding for a program or area of interest should be benefit towards people. Funding the art should be beneficial towards society and produce positive outcome for everyone.
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