Politics Motivate Artistic Quality by Keisha Robinson

Politics Motivate Artistic Quality

                                                    By: Keisha Robinson

Politics inadvertently impact an artists’ creative work. Based on conditions: socioeconomic, inequality, injustice, racism, discrimination, oppression, and genocide; I believe an artist is compelled and often times obligated to describe these conditions through various art forms. I find it necessary for an artist to express issues related to politics in a creative format, and quite often political issues do motivate such works.  As an artist, free expression is an imperative aspect to creativity: The freedom to express different viewpoints and diverse perspectives without scrutiny surrounding artistic style, arrangement, and composition for me, helps conveys a clear message. In my opinion, there is no set standard for artistic creativity. I would not have the creative freedom of expression that exists today, had it not been for the versatile pioneer’s at the forefront. I am honored to learn more about the artist that have come and gone before me, and I have a new found appreciation for their literary contribution. I am forever indebted to them.

I do not believe an artist should be held solely accountable for promoting political awareness, and views. However, these issues affect them enough to write towards improving the conditions. I do not believe it is the responsibility of the artist to take on the burden of these issues, but, I do believe an artist should have the freedom to be expressive without analysis, or fear of ridicule when addressing such issues.

A major element in artistic expression is exposing, and bringing awareness to:

Social issues. The role of politics is a large aspect in relation to many social issues that artist’s address. I do believe politics is a major influence and motivation for artistic quality because the creative artist has a purpose to serve as the voice of the people. It is unfortunate how the artist often times assumes the blame when addressing certain issues, even when merely being expressive.  

            Taking a look at the works of W.E.B. Du Bois, Alane Locke, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth, there is clear evidence of a pervasive theme in these artists’ making positive political and social contributions; through their literary work. From their writing style, to their approach, to their use of the English Language, criticism, analysis, and scrutiny is a result of addressing certain issues. As writer’s, all were criticized, analyzed, and scrutinized based on their writing style, ability to uplift, and ability to improve social conditions.

The analysis of particular politically influenced work is often biased because there are many different viewpoints and perspectives on issues. It is unfair to presume that any artist should be confined or conformed to a specific artistic style. The writer’s mentioned were involved in diverse settings pertaining to how they are recognized based on their influence in American and African American History.         

Specifically, the artist studied during this course, have made significant contributions to American and African American History, including the Abolishment of Slavery. The scope of literary works of the individual artist’s mentioned expound on the vast and diverse styles of writing. Although all artist mentioned have their own writing style, and diverse approach, we can still appreciate and find relevance in their works today. The works of W.E.B. Du Bois is still highly prevalent and remarkable in promoting the improvement of the social conditions of African American’s.

When looking at, The Suppression of the African Slave Trade in America, by W.E.B. Du Bois, we can see based on his research and views on political issues, this monograph was an introduction to taking artistic quality to the next level. Du Bois, with a rather more scholarly approach, focused on providing an academic explanation through applied research. It is fair to say that his literary and artistic contributions promote the improvement to social conditions, especially pertaining to slavery.

In the Preface he states, “The question of the Suppression of the slave trade is so intimately connected with the question as to its rise, the system of American Slavery, and the whole colonial policy of the eighteenth century, that is difficult to isolate it, and at the same time to avoid superficiality on the one hand, and unscientific narrowness of view on the other hand. While I could not hope to entirely overcome such a difficulty, I nevertheless trust that I succeeded in rendering this monograph a small contribution to the scientific study of slavery and the American Negro.”

While looking at the works of Frederick Douglas, we can see how his influence and motivation was the oppression of his people, and changing those conditions. His writing allowed him to write for the White House. It is evident that these artists have not only fought through their own social barriers, but they have created an outlet for like minds. I can definitely say that the political and social issues were a major influence in the literary works produced by artists during this era. The goal is indefinitely to promote improvement considering the acts of reading and writing were illegal.

Frederick Douglas like W.E.B. Du Bose took an academic approach through their articulation of the English language. This is especially significant considering that blacks were not allowed to divulge intellectually. The accomplishments and obstacles overcome relating to their artistic talents, crossed all color and barrier lines.

Although there works were to enhance their current social issues, there is still prevalence today among my generation as to how it is possible to achieve even in spite of the conditions.

The accomplishments and works of the artists definitely influence and empower me as an African American writer in the twenty-first century.

            I am grateful I have the works of such artist to reflect on. When I realize the significance and importance of these contributions, I am motivated. Whether political should motivate artist or whether politics actually motivate artist is two different things. As I mentioned before, I believe an artist is compelled to describe their social situation, and moreover, they wish to express alternatives.

Looking at, “The New Negro, “ Locke says it best, “The thinking Negro even has been induced to share this same general attitude, to focus his attention on controversial issues, to see himself in the distorted perspective of a social problem. His shadow, so to speak has been more real to him than his personality.”  I find this quote interesting as it still is relevant to the influence and motivation today. Rather political, economic, or social, the conditions described, has an imminent impact on people of color. I realize there were huge sacrifices made to ensure that the ability to record and document artistic expression towards any particular issue regarding people of color; is of great concern.  I am thankful for the artist before me, for they did have an obligation and a responsibility which stands true today. In return, as a writer, it is my obligation and responsibility to ensure their intricate efforts are not in vain.

In conclusion, an artist’s display of work as a reflection of political and social issues is detrimental to the improvement of society as a whole. The story of Sojourner Truth is a great example of excellence in uplifting and promoting improvements in social conditions, not only for African-Americans, but for women of color as well. I applaud her and the efforts of the other many artist’s that have paved the way. In 1851, she had the gnaw to speak in front of a crowd at the Women’s Right Convention in Akron, Ohio. She gave the speech, “Ain’t I a Woman.” When I contemplate on the commitment, the dedication, and the sacrifice, I am challenged to demonstrate excellence amongst my peers.

 It is unfortunate that many do not realize the importance of the many sacrifices and opportunities the writer’s have provided. The dilemma with the Negro and the social conditions that continue to plague our society dwells within the Negro race. There has been a void in wanting to fulfill the obligation of knowing our story. It is imperative that we as a race dedicate our focus towards learning and knowing our roots, which will compel us as a race to do better. Based on my observation and research of such artists, I feel a sense of empowerment with an obligation to make a social contribution.

Works Cited

Alain Locke, The New Negro: An Interpretation (New York: Albert and Charles Boni, 1925)

Frederick Douglas, Narrative of the life of an American Slave (Boston: Anti-Slavery Office, 1845)

W.E.B. Du Bois, The Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States of America(New York: Longmans, Green, and Co.)

http://www.sojournertruth.org