When I was walking to school today, I passed a sign that read "Education is a Right." I agree, wholeheartedly, though I would change "right" to "need." I believe that education should be accessible to everyone interested - and therefore, free to the Canadian population, as it is in many European countries. But it strikes me that while the government may be willing to consider forking over federal dollars to inspire doctors and engineers, a large majority of society would not consider a Creative Writing degree a "need."
This mentality is not relatively new. There was once a time when poets and philosophers were widely respected as "unacknowledged legislators of the world" (NYT). They were the ones instigating social change, being arrested by dominating governments, and threatening societal ideals. They were our gatekeepers, our thought-provokers; the spark to our fire. But since the dawn of the 19th century, no one has really been listening.
Perhaps it's not only society's view of poets that has changed, but the function of poets themselves.Rather than burst out in rhyme about political activism, modern poetry seems to take a backseat and settle into the role of observer. But is this role what we really need? Can the craft of poetry be salvaged, or do poets not really have anything influential to say at all, anymore?
I don't know. But I through my creative writing courses, I have gained a respect for poetry, especially when I try to write it myself. I see the value in sampling flavours of perspective and I love to lavish in pulchritudinous description. But maybe the rest of the business-minded world doesn't. And maybe that's okay.
To explore further, check out this recent article and tell me what you think: The New York Times
This mentality is not relatively new. There was once a time when poets and philosophers were widely respected as "unacknowledged legislators of the world" (NYT). They were the ones instigating social change, being arrested by dominating governments, and threatening societal ideals. They were our gatekeepers, our thought-provokers; the spark to our fire. But since the dawn of the 19th century, no one has really been listening.
Perhaps it's not only society's view of poets that has changed, but the function of poets themselves.Rather than burst out in rhyme about political activism, modern poetry seems to take a backseat and settle into the role of observer. But is this role what we really need? Can the craft of poetry be salvaged, or do poets not really have anything influential to say at all, anymore?
I don't know. But I through my creative writing courses, I have gained a respect for poetry, especially when I try to write it myself. I see the value in sampling flavours of perspective and I love to lavish in pulchritudinous description. But maybe the rest of the business-minded world doesn't. And maybe that's okay.
To explore further, check out this recent article and tell me what you think: The New York Times