The Equity of the Culture Vulture

American Thinker.com ^ | April 23, 2023 | Thomas Buckley

[Kaslin]

Art is subjective. Saying with absolute certainty exactly what is “good” or “bad” is simply not possible.

Opinions about art can also change with time. Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” literally caused a riot when it premiered in 1913. In 1940, Walt Disney used it in “Fantasia,” and it has become an integral part of the repertoire of multitudes of orchestras.

But as public funding for various artistic endeavors has increased (as opposed to past private patronage or the notion of having to pay its own way), one can look at the “culture industry” itself with a certain objectivity. In other words, while there can be different opinions as to whether or not a specific work is good or bad, discussing exactly how tax dollars are spent is a legitimate arena for public discussion, be it art or butter or guns.

Which brings us to the $28.9 million per year Mass(achusetts) Cultural Council and its “Racial Equity Plan.” (Note: pretty much every state has a similar organization so do feel free to check out your local version. For just one example, here are some thoughts about the California Arts Council.)

Based on the idea that, like everything else in the world, art is racist, the Mass Cultural Council has created—and committed to quarterly updates of—a plan to end racism through a program involving safe spaces, diverse hiring practices, meeting agenda items, and lunch.

Executive director (and former DC-based children’s theater chief) Michael Bobbitt, who was hired last year, led off the FY2022-2024 plan update with this bold statement:

[alexander_busek]

Opinions about art can also change with time. Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” literally caused a riot when it premiered in 1913.

Ah, yes: "Le massacre du printemps."

Regards,

[ealgeone]

from the article...."I believe that racial equity, anti-racism, decolonization,..."

There is still colonization happening somewhere? Countries still have colonies??

I must have missed that somewhere.