The Invalidation Of The Arts Needs To Be Stopped | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Invalidation Of The Arts Needs To Be Stopped

Why do we, as a society, keep invalidating the arts as a legitimate profession instead of encouraging it?

4
The Invalidation Of The Arts Needs To Be Stopped
Pexels

From the actors in your favorite movies to the singers of your beloved songs, artists in every shape and size are constantly being looked at from every angle and invalidated as performers because of their professions. Due to this, it is often encouraged in our culture to stop dreaming of becoming what we really want in order to pursue something more reasonable with a steady cash flow. To me, this is not only a wrong way to look at things, but it is ultimately a perspective that needs to be rid from the world.

In my opinion, the arts need to stop being invalidated as a legitimate profession as there are many successful people who have made it from the bottom of the barrel to complete and utter stardom in only a matter of months, yet we continuously choose, as a society, to patronize and invalidate their triumphs, and sometimes hardships, because they chose this path instead of one that may have led them to a place where they would not be nearly as happy.

For instance, Old Navy had a t-shirt designed where they crossed out things that children aspire to be such as “painter” and “actor” to steer them towards more ‘appropriate’ fields such as “doctor” or “astronaut”. Now, all the while it is not to be mistaken that these are mighty fine jobs, they should not be placed above any other field. Likewise, with the most recent publishing of the Wells Fargo ad, performers are portrayed in a terrible light as they write “A ballerina yesterday. An engineer today.” and “An actor yesterday. A botanist today.” Now, if the irony of all of this is lost on you, Wells Fargo is blatantly criticizing the performing arts as a profession while not only employing those with art degrees to create these ads, but also using actors and models to portray the arts of which they are being critical.

While some may look upon this and think that there is no problem, I, alongside many other performers, find this trend happening in our society completely and utterly outrageous as many children, and even adults, aspire to one day have their break in the performance world but are constantly scrutinized for their aspirations not being realistic enough. Due to this, performers in general must work extremely hard in order to make it to the top, and even then, some don’t make it, yet instead of encouraging those to pursue their dreams and persevere on, we tell them to have a backup plan. And why is that? Why is it that those in the performing arts profession need to have a backup plan when others in more competitive professions do not? I, for one, believe that we should not only stop the invalidation of the arts as a legitimate field but also help those who wish to pursue jobs in this field flourish because if we do not, our world will certainly begin to lack creativity and inspiration as we constantly destroy the dreams of those around us. Not only will this significantly begin to impact humanity as a whole, but it will also begin to make the world a less beautiful place as we begin to lose all of the imagination and creativity around us because it just wasn’t sensible enough.

Initially, the arts are a legitimate profession and they need to stop being looked down upon as something that is too far out of reach or impractical because who will create the movies and songs and books and things that we all love if we continue to demolish the arts and the motivation of those who aspire to become the next Beyoncé or Iron Man.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13763
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5998
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4445
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3919
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments