In the realm of creative expression, particularly in times of crisis, artists are often confronted with a pivotal decision: should they serve as beacons of comfort or as harbingers of warning? This dichotomy, as described to me by a fellow writer, has repeatedly surfaced in my reflections. However, I am inclined to believe that this choice is not strictly binary, and there exists potential for these roles to intersect and coexist.
Recently, as I confront the realities of our world, I find myself grappling with the content and tone of my message. My struggle primarily stems from my innate approach to comfort, which differs significantly from conventional expectations. Unlike many, I derive comfort from unvarnished truths – the kind that lay bare the entirety of a situation, even the aspects that evoke fear or sorrow. There’s a certain solace I find in confronting the full spectrum of reality, but I am acutely aware that this approach does not resonate with everyone.
In my observation, many people seek comfort in illusionary bliss. There’s a collective yearning to avert our gaze, to gloss over the stark truths in favor of maintaining the status quo. This widespread reluctance to confront and ponder over the deeper, often unsettling realities of our existence is something I find difficult to align with. My instinct is to meet challenges head-on, to find comfort in the knowledge that I am actively seeking solutions, even in the face of formidable threats. This, I understand, is not a universally shared perspective.
Consequently, I often choose silence, recognizing that my candid observations – that we are amidst a chaotic predicament for which we are woefully unprepared – may not be what people wish to hear. My contributions often extend no further than urging a collective introspection, a call to start asking the vital questions we’ve long avoided. This stance, while perhaps not conventionally comforting, stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of awareness and inquiry as the first steps toward navigating our complex reality.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
