Artistic Expression

[saravis]

I haven't posted in awhile, mostly because I haven't felt the desire to, but a recent news story has prompted me to write.

We all know I like to get up on my soapbox every so often, but it's not usually about any kind of political issue that would spark a debate. But the story that's been circulating about Aliza Shvarts' performance art piece (which

Comments

[bonasgirl]

I find it disgusting and not something I condone nor would I ever choose to do it. However, you bring up a really good point when you say that we shouldn't put restrictions on the creative process. I think that just because we don't like it, find it offensive in any way, doesn't mean that we can say it's not allowed. I agree with you when you say this woman picked a bad/emotional topic for her performance art/debate starter, but again it's her choice. I don't know how many people would go see that, but you never know. I know I wouldn't be in line for it.

[anonymous]

If we banned works of art every time someone was offended by it, we wouldn't have art. I believe in preserving the creative process and letting artists follow it wherever it goes. I, too, can understand why you wouldn't like this piece, but what if Holocaust survivors had been offended that "The Producers" trivialized one of the most horrible dictators in history and the play had been banned? They could have a very similar feeling toward the content of that piece of art as you have to the content of Shvartz's.

There will always be a myriad of opinions and offenses in this country, because we are a diverse people and that's what makes us great. We have freedom of speech, even if your speech offends somebody else. And I think that's what makes for healthy debate. Even if you don't think the subject matter of the debate is important or productive, there are others that do...otherwise there would be no debate in the first place.

Nice to hear from you Sara!!

[gatorwatch]

^ oh, that was me (not logged in!) ^

[howulovinthat]

This is totally what my masters thesis is about. We did Anything Goes in the fall and a lot of people were offended by the Chinese characters which prompted my thesis... It's a really interesting thing to debate.
And in other news, the show I'm working on now is about women having miscarriages...
Happy very belated bday!

[anonymous]

This particular saravis will never be tamed