Finally, a sigh of relief
Not going to lie that may have been one of the most stressful weeks of my life, which is why I am coming on here with a weekend update rather than the usual Thursday. Sorry about that.
As you may have heard a little thing called the US presidential elections are taking place this week and were, to say the least, the most high-tension political event that I have ever lived through. Despite the still ongoing issues and the claims of fraud (so ridiculous), I believe that for the first time in these long four years as US citizens we finally see a glint of hope. I don’t want to get overly political, but I also don’t want to be silent on these matters of great importance to not only me as an American, but to everyone in the world right now.
As an artist we need to recognize that there is no disconnect from art and politics, even the conscious decision to disconnect your work from current politics and events is inherently political no matter how much it is denied. We live in very turbulent times whether we would like to face this reality or not, we as artists should realize the value we impose on our words and works. As I write this, just on the cusp of a new era for the United States I urge you to not be too comfortable in this brief moment of celebration. Continue to exist loudly, to speak up for who can’t, to spread the right messages through your art. Even if the greater evil seems defeated so far, we will still hold them accountable and we will not forget of the issues that plague our nations. Do not mistake me, this is a big victory, I have been awake with family for days all of us on the edge of our seats watching the news as the votes poured in on the verge of tears and fear for the future and now we finally get a sigh of relief after what has been a horrific four years.
I was 18 in the last election, my first time being able to vote and that was the outcome. I remember my mom on that November morning at 6am before school (time zones make everything more complicated), a loud “OH NO!” from the kitchen and I already could feel a sense of dread overcome the whole household. I wasn’t supposed to, but I was checking my phone in school every ten minutes to see any updates any possible sudden change of hope, but no. It was a hard day for everyone, and was an even worse four years after that.
So for today, I allow myself to celebrate despite everything this is certainly the better outcome. We have won, but there is certainly a lot more that needs to be done.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
-LAS xo