The end of the rant

Well, here we are at the end. Congratulations to everyone who is still reading.

Problem 9: Cultural stigma against real art

I read an article for a class of mine that has something to do with this subject. Essentially, the articles expresses the idea that many people consider something good as long as it doesn't have anything even remotely objectionable in it, and they consider something bad when there is anything slightly objectionable in it. Unfortunately, many of the world's greatest works of art include material that might offend some people. What we need is the ability to glean something of value from a work even if there are things we don't agree with. Of course there are limits. We don't want to be viewing things that are openly pornographic or things that don't exercise any sense of restraint, but otherwise we should approach things with some toleration.

Let me give you an example (the same one used in the article in case you decided to skip it): Shakespeare. Most people will agree that his work is one of the great pinnacles of literature. Shakespeare was lovingly carried across the plains by pioneers who could bring precious little art and culture with them. We revere the work that he did and quote it often in church or general conference, yet Shakespeare is filled with dirty jokes, violence, witchcraft, and mounds of other vulgar and profane things. But that doesn't change the fact that his work can touch profound and sublime things in all of us. Shakespeare is therefore great art, in spite of the portions of his work that some would find objectionable.

Essentially I am saying that we need reasonable vigilance against damaging material in art, but that we shouldn't throw something good out because of some small offense.

Problem 10: Assumption that LDS-themed art is bad
I'm as guilty of this as anyone. When I hear about a new play based on the Book of Mormon, I assume that it's going to be bad. When someone writes a new piece of music about the Gospel, I usually don't go to see it because I don't want to be embarrassed by its low quality. The same goes for painting and books and all the other arts. Some of that response is conditioned by repeated disappointments, but it is exactly that kind of conditioned response that we need to guard against. In other words, give LDS artists a chance. Someday they'll create something great. A few already have.

If you want to read a little more about LDS art and artists, go here.

Here, here, here, and here are a few artist who I think are doing a great job, right now.


Well, that's the end of my rant. As a disclaimer I reserve the right to change my mind about any or all of the things I have written at any time, without notice. That is all.