KARL MARX, in the "Communist Manifesto", repeatedly uses the "little guy" as an example when arguing the struggle between the oppressed and oppressors. One of the "little guys" he mentions are artisans. This could be the reason, be it consciously or sub-consciously, many artists (both fine artists and craftsman) feel themselves leaning toward liberal collectivist doctrine...in other words Communism. I guess Marx never imagined artists could sell their work and become celebrities in the free market, eh?
Here is Marx citing the artisan in chapter one of the "Communist Manifesto":
"The lower middle class, the small manufacturer, the shopkeeper, the artisan, the peasant, all these fight against the bourgeoisie"
Are you suggesting that the word similarity is the root of this subconscious tendency? Simply citing a quotation that makes no mention of artists and suggesting that artists, who pursue their craft for the expression of ideas or for the sake of aesthetic study, are similar to artisans, who create goods for the sake of participating in commerce, aesthetic sense not needed, does not support your interpretation. Perhaps presenting further similarities between the two, or explaining how they "feel themselves leaning..." might help your argument.
ReplyDeleteI think the gist of the post is that Marx failed to understand that artists are capitalists, at least in Western cultures, creating and selling their wares for cash. Many do so while decrying the very capitalism that feeds them.
ReplyDeleteI take the word artisan to mean all craftsman- including artists. Being an artist myself, the point of the post was merely an observation. As the second comment states, a great many artists are liberal and demonize capitalism, a system that is based on expression of ideas and allowing people to earn money by having a talent. I don't think Marxism has ever been very good at promoting free-thought, do you?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments though.
If that is the purpose of the post then perhaps a re-titling to "Why artists shouldn't be liberals."
ReplyDeleteCommunism always sparks discussion. Again, the post was an observation. Most artists are liberal. Marx fights for the artisan, however he means it. Hence why most artists are liberal.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I understand that the argument really has no merit, it's was just for fun. Maybe Herman Cain was right, and America really needs to learn how to take a joke.
ReplyDeleteA joke is fine. I guess after reading the previous post I just didn't expect it.
ReplyDelete