The Importance of Art

On Saturday my son and I participated in the local March For Our Lives, to support the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas kids up in D.C. since we couldn't make it up there. It was a great experience, and these kids are so amazing. I'm just floored by them, and by this movement. 

Years ago when The Hunger Games came out, and then all the other dystopians about evil government and fighting back, people kept saying we were raising our kids to be revolutionists. Well, hell yeah we did. And it's never been more timely than now. They are going to change things. What's more, and sort of weird and wonderful, is that Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss in the Hunger Games movie, is taking a year off of acting to travel the country and speak to kids and encourage this movement against corrupt politicians. The NRA so clearly has most of them in their pocket, and that has to change. She's truly the Mockingjay, and so are these kids.

There are those that challenge the need for art in society, or say that it isn't necessary. Well, art changes things, and it changes people. It plants seeds. The dystopian stories that swept society helped pave the way for what's happening now. And that's pretty damn important if you ask me.

So, whatever your thoughts on all that's going on in the world today, remember to make good art. Those of you that love Neil Gaiman like I do will recognize that quote. Make good art. Put your beauty out into the world. I'm not saying you have to try to send a message (and often books that do are too obvious about it), but just by being YOU and putting YOUR art into the world, you make it a better place. And you never know what will come of it down the road.