Why Are So Many Artists Leftists?

[sallybutler]

I suspect the distribution of artistic abilities among the population is probably the same no matter what the political leanings are. Perhaps the difference is that the right is not as supporting of it’s artists as it could be, so it appears that there are more ‘leftist’ artists.

As for the middle ages, most of the art that has survived, especially religious art, was probably the result of the patronage system. Artists were paid a stipend to paint or create sculptures or do wood carving. They were usually told what the subject matter would be. Subversiveness usually showed up in the form of whose face was chosen for different saints, demons, background crowd members, etc.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

This frightens me, since I’d like to work in independent and arthouse cinema. But money is no object when it comes to helping people. Instead of espousing my political views openly, I’ll just fork over a lot of cash to pro-life groups and other organizations which share my views, rather than doing it out in the open.

Two of my friends lost jobs for simply refusing to discuss their politics. One when he refused to offer an opinion and the other when he stated that he never discusses religion or politics. They were each given other reasons for being let go, yet they were both also called fascists when they were released.

 

[3DOCTORS]

In response to a fair few posts here, I think it can be analysed further. You see, from personal experience, I would say that lefties are more socially critical - challenging of the norm, so to speak. A consequence of that is a type of rebellion against all forms of status-quo and acceptable behaviour. Hence, shock tactics come into play, that seeps its way into one’s own lifestyle (‘moral permissiveness’ - to quote the above post). But for the right, it comes down to being concerned with gentle progress for the sake of the future and not changing things for the sake of change - the right normally is more accepting of the past and of the current situation - to conserve - and so it would seem that one’s own lifestyle choices might be an extension of that acceptance - living to more accepted principles and codes for living. So artists are going to be exaggerations of those stereotypical categories because they express in their work and lifestyle what is to some degree only thought about in society. Although all people’s lives are in a way canvases - this is what I feel more comfortable believing as a Christian - so even the humblest and quietest of lives hold dear meaning to God; in fact, the humblest of lives need to contain the finest and therefore most intricate brush work.

Well, and with the direction this thread is heading, I must climb up on my soapbox yet again and point out that although I do use the terms “liberal/left” and “conservative/right” in certain contexts, I am an Independent politically. My guide in decision-making is always the teachings of the Church above any man-made political paradigm. And yes, I am a creative, artistic person. I think outside of the boxes on politics and on art! I paint abstract expressionist but find no contradiction between that and my Christianity. As my pastor once pointed out - so much in this world can be “Christianized” if we figure out how to do so. We just need to get out there and get busy. I don’t at this time feel that much drawn to painting or sculpting representational religious art. If I did someday, fine.

I’m an individualist in a way, yet also submitting in obedience to the Church. I catch flak from both sides, trust me!

 

[friardchips]

Well, and with the direction this thread is heading, I must climb up on my soapbox yet again and point out that although I do use the terms “liberal/left” and “conservative/right” in certain contexts, I am an Independent politically. My guide in decision-making is always the teachings of the Church above any man-made political paradigm. And yes, I am a creative, artistic person. I think outside of the boxes on politics and on art! I paint abstract expressionist but find no contradiction between that and my Christianity. As my pastor once pointed out - so much in this world can be “Christianized” if we figure out how to do so. We just need to get out there and get busy. I don’t at this time feel that much drawn to painting or sculpting representational religious art. If I did someday, fine.

I’m an individualist in a way, yet also submitting in obedience to the Church. I catch flak from both sides, trust me!

It sounds as if you are standing in a ‘God’ place. The view, the canvas depends on where we stand! I like what you said about being an Independent thinker. Overall, classing anyone because of their political tendencies to left or right is in a way wrong - which I was doing - although there are statistics to go by. People do break the boundaries that they have chosen to live within and this also goes for lefties and righties and liberals…people live in boxes but sometimes don’t. I’d go with that well-put statement about being Independent politically. Christianity does preside over even the law of the land many times because even that can be corrupt.

I like the sound of expressionism. Don’t see why that goes against Christianity in any way. You might be interested in Icon painting - I’ve heard good things. I might do this one day. I stopped doing drawing myself and furthering my abilities because I think unless one has a raw and excellent natural talent, which I didn’t, one needs to do life-drawing to advance and I felt eventually that this was incompatible with Christianity. Although Disney’s artists painted animals - but animals can be really hard to draw especially for people who have to work at their ability. I can still do design but I think it is a bit empty if one doesn’t do all of one’s own art for the different elements (so I used silhouettes all the time - although I used them quite well ((so I say so myself))…and concentrating on the concept and the type instead).

As you said, or your Pastor said, about Christianizing - I think this is a perception we gain for everything not just art due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us and receiving of the Sacraments. But I’d be careful of describing yourself as an ‘individualist’. A dangerous word, at least here in the U.K. We are God’s flowers in the field but united in faith; individualism here means something else non-Christian entirely. Here, it means hedonism and, as a poster earlier said, in not so many words that I would use to describe individualism: finding ‘my truth’. The ‘my’ becomes a very selfish word. I don’t think that is what you meant though but what that word means to me when I see it because of the liberal state of things in this country (although things are getting better IMHO). I think that *independent *is a way of explaining one’s position or view of all things in the light of Christianity not just in art. Anyhow, either way, good to hear of an artist practicing and enjoying doing art! The world needs Christian artists! God bless.

 

[Midwest88]

And many of these people are not “leftists” at all. If their political and social views were figured into the total of “artists”, I think we would see a much more even distribution of “leftists” and “rightists” (or whatever you want to call them).

I’d bet that most are “leftists” than “rightists.” If they’re apolitical I’d further bet that they’d lean towards the left.

 

[Midwest88]

Two of my friends lost jobs for simply refusing to discuss their politics. One when he refused to offer an opinion and the other when he stated that he never discusses religion or politics. They were each given other reasons for being let go, yet they were both also called fascists when they were released.

Really? Dang. But why “fascist” if they never discussed their politics? If someone never discussed their politics or hinted I’d never know what they’d favor. Creepy that the two people who did not share their political beliefs were fired and called that name.

 

[Gordon_Sims]

Really? Dang. But why “fascist” if they never discussed their politics? If someone never discussed their politics or hinted I’d never know what they’d favor. Creepy that the two people who did not share their political beliefs were fired and called that name.

According to what I was told, in each case they were working with people who discussed politics constantly. The one worked with people who also talked about religion and homosexuality quite frequently. Whenever someone asked their opinions the one said he never talked about politics; the other one, whenever the conversation was directed toward him would say that he never discusses anyone’s politics, religion or love life. They were both asked some pointed, specific questions and they refused to answer which led to accusations of being on the wrong side of the political fence (in other words, if you’re not a cheerleader for my cause, you’re my enemy). In each case, within a couple days they were told their work wasn’t up to par or that rehearsals had shown they weren’t right for the part. I forget how the fascist accusation was worked in for the one, but the other was told that it’s hard to find his sort of work if you’re a fascist. I was astounded at the time but it didn’t take long to get over that as I talked to more and more people who were either the victims or perpetrators of similar attitudes. I have several friends now who are in fields largely seen as being dominated by liberals who are responsible for hiring people. They’re quite open about the fact that they try to tease out a person’s political and religious beliefs during the hiring process and if they’re conservative or a practicing Christian, they won’t hire them. A year or so ago, one told me that he looks at every applicant’s Facebook page and if they liked even a single Christian, Republican, pro-life or pro-gun pages, he wouldn’t hire them.

 

[Cat]

Whenever a question like this is posed here, I find I’m always shaking my head at most of the responses.
I find them…baffling.
I’m in the artistic community and deal with actors, producers, directors, authors, and singers…and I must say, their reasons for being on the left side of politics usually has nothing to do with what the posts here suggest, which include “do what you feel attitudes” and “desire for social acceptance, indulgence and vanity, disdain for sanctity of life” and 'following the crowd."
Quite the opposite.
Traditionally, artists do what they do because of a real inner love of it…so making money is usually not the main goal (hence the term, “starving artist”).
Second, being an artist is usually about the exploration and expression of feelings and ideas–and the Left is more about that.
Third, artists usually are about communicating with people–and their jobs are often about having compassion for others–so their views and politics would be linked with a political group that is more people-oriented and about helping other artists, too…they are not about big business.

.

I was with you until the comment “they are not about big business.”

Oh, yes they are.

We must not forget that the entertainment/arts industry in all its manifestations is BIG business. Really BIG business. The success of a movie is measured in terms of the monetary take at the Box Office. Same for a play, a gallery opening, a concert tour, book release, etc. It’s all about money, because without money, the “social justice” art doesn’t happen either. Artistic havens and communes and individuals that try to produce socially-aware art to “help other people” shrivel up and die if they don’t have a source of regular funding.

My daughter currently works for a very successful theater company that depends on “big business” for their funding. Oh, yes they get some funding from the local, state, and even the federal government (National Endowment for the Arts), but the bulk of their funding comes from foundations which were founded by wealthy people. The huge majority of these wealthy people got wealthy through starting and running a successful BIG BUSINESS, or from working for a big business (e.g., a group of corporate lawyers).

Much of the arts industry is funded by these foundations, along with donations from wealthy people who have successfully run really big businesses.

My daughter and her friends know this, and they are not nearly so antagonistic towards “big business” as many of us think they are. Without big business, artists know that they would literally starve. They love those who provide the funds for their artistic creations.

I personally think the reason that most artists (all artists, not just those who create visual art) lean towards the left is that they don’t have a really good understanding of economics and politics. Many of the artistic people (not all) spent their high school and college years (if they went to college) heavily vested in their artistic studies and pursuits, and gave short shrift to the other boring classes like science, math, social studies, economics, etc. Once they are in the working world, they have little time to read magazines, websites, etc. about economics, politics, world events, etc., so they remain fairly unaware of life outside their artistic world.

I am willing to bet that my daughter probably doesn’t know that we are doing air-raids right now. She doesn’t even have a TV, and never listens to a radio, reads a newspaper or news magazine, or peruses a news online site. The little bit of free time that she has is spent networking with other artistic types and making connections, since this is her primary method of finding work and earning a paycheck. She also spends time reading and learning more about her particular form of art (theater).

I know a lot of other artists (of all kinds) are the same way. Not all. But most do spend their free time with other artists, doing arts-related projects, or pursuing some form of recreation that helps them in their artistic endeavors. They don’t spend their free time listening to the news, reading economic textbooks, studying the U.S. Constitution, sitting down with their Congresspeople, etc.

I can testify that my daughter skipped every single day of her college biology class (thankfully she had done the same textbook in her high school, which was a college prep school). She went to class on test days, took the test, got B’s, and was perfectly happy to have absolutely no understanding of photosynthesis, cell structure, the Krebs Cycle, evolution theory, etc.

Same thing for her college math class. She never went to class, and studied just hard enough to get a B in the class.

I majored in music for a year in college, and I was appalled at the ignorance of many of the musicians when it came to math, science, economics, history (other than music history), religion, etc. All they knew was music. This was one of the reasons I switched majors to Biology/Medical Technology.

I think that a lot of the artists don’t understand much other than their art form, and so they are easily led around. If someone tells them that the Republicans are the Party of “rich fat cats” and the Democrats are the Party that helps the poor, many artists (and other people without a liberal arts education) will believe it.

That’s my theory.

My daughter votes Republican, BTW, mainly because of the pro-life issue, but also because she’s lived and worked in so many cities in the U.S. and met so many people that she has learned that the government takes too much of her money and utterly wastes it helping lots of people who are not willing to get off their butts and work as hard as she does. Also, because of her theater background, she has learned just how easy it is for politicians and their parties to create illusions.

 

[friardchips]

I’ve found quite the opposite.

That was my experience but I did make it sound a bit final, as if everyone’s must have been like this, and btw…I am not saying the students could help it. They definitely weren’t nasty-hearted and I wasn’t any better in many other respects. But this was how it was. It may not have been your experience but it was mine. I think the ‘disdain for…’ part was a over-the-top in my post, but the rest was a definite: “do what you feel attitudes”, “desire for social acceptance”, “indulgence and vanity” - (I am just saying how it was), “following the crowd - oh, yes.”

All exactly as it was. But I am happy for you that your experience was more positive! I still managed to have a good time for some of it and pleased I went but it was definitely ‘left’ and definitely a weird experience.

…they are not about big business.

Maybe not all start out that way. A bit of a romantic dream to say it ends up like that for many - the starving artist etc…but if you know any then my hat goes off to them and if they remain sincere to their art to the very end then great! :tiphat:

I backtracked a little earlier because my posts were leaning towards generalising too much which is dangerous because of what you just said - that your experience was different and lots of people’s are. So, I think there are statistics but that there is a big margin of error in generalization. Thanks for picking me up on it

 

[3DOCTORS]

It sounds as if you are standing in a ‘God’ place. The view, the canvas depends on where we stand! I like what you said about being an Independent thinker. Overall, classing anyone because of their political tendencies to left or right is in a way wrong - which I was doing - although there are statistics to go by. People do break the boundaries that they have chosen to live within and this also goes for lefties and righties and liberals…people live in boxes but sometimes don’t. I’d go with that well-put statement about being Independent politically. Christianity does preside over even the law of the land many times because even that can be corrupt.

I like the sound of expressionism. Don’t see why that goes against Christianity in any way. You might be interested in Icon painting - I’ve heard good things. I might do this one day. I stopped doing drawing myself and furthering my abilities because I think unless one has a raw and excellent natural talent, which I didn’t, one needs to do life-drawing to advance and I felt eventually that this was incompatible with Christianity. Although Disney’s artists painted animals - but animals can be really hard to draw especially for people who have to work at their ability. I can still do design but I think it is a bit empty if one doesn’t do all of one’s own art for the different elements (so I used silhouettes all the time - although I used them quite well ((so I say so myself))…and concentrating on the concept and the type instead).

As you said, or your Pastor said, about Christianizing - I think this is a perception we gain for everything not just art due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us and receiving of the Sacraments. But I’d be careful of describing yourself as an ‘individualist’. A dangerous word, at least here in the U.K. We are God’s flowers in the field but united in faith; individualism here means something else non-Christian entirely. Here, it means hedonism and, as a poster earlier said, in not so many words that I would use to describe individualism: finding ‘my truth’. The ‘my’ becomes a very selfish word. I don’t think that is what you meant though but what that word means to me when I see it because of the liberal state of things in this country (although things are getting better IMHO). I think that *independent *is a way of explaining one’s position or view of all things in the light of Christianity not just in art. Anyhow, either way, good to hear of an artist practicing and enjoying doing art! The world needs Christian artists! God bless.

Thank you for your kind reply. Also for making me aware of a different connotation of the word “individualist” in the UK. As I was typing it I hesitated because I wondered if it smacked of a sort of self-centeredness but I couldn’t think of a better word. Nor do I mean “freethinker” or any other heterodox type thing. Other words such as “unique” may shade toward elitism, and that’s not what I want either. It’s difficult to find the exact word I want - if I do, I’ll probably go “aha!” :newidea: and perhaps now I should Google a thesaurus. Stay tuned.

 

[Midwest88]

Whenever a question like this is posed here, I find I’m always shaking my head at most of the responses.
I find them…baffling.
I’m in the artistic community and deal with actors, producers, directors, authors, and singers…and I must say, their reasons for being on the left side of politics usually has nothing to do with what the posts here suggest, which include “do what you feel attitudes” and “desire for social acceptance, indulgence and vanity, disdain for sanctity of life” and 'following the crowd."
Quite the opposite.
Traditionally, artists do what they do because of a real inner love of it…so making money is usually not the main goal (hence the term, “starving artist”).
Second, being an artist is usually about the exploration and expression of feelings and ideas–and the Left is more about that.
Third, artists usually are about communicating with people–and their jobs are often about having compassion for others–so their views and politics would be linked with a political group that is more people-oriented and about helping other artists, too…they are not about big business.

.

That explains many things.

And “do what you feel attitudes” is actually the same as “inner love.”

 

[Midwest88]

According to what I was told, in each case they were working with people who discussed politics constantly. The one worked with people who also talked about religion and homosexuality quite frequently. Whenever someone asked their opinions the one said he never talked about politics; the other one, whenever the conversation was directed toward him would say that he never discusses anyone’s politics, religion or love life. They were both asked some pointed, specific questions and they refused to answer which led to accusations of being on the wrong side of the political fence (in other words, if you’re not a cheerleader for my cause, you’re my enemy). In each case, within a couple days they were told their work wasn’t up to par or that rehearsals had shown they weren’t right for the part. I forget how the fascist accusation was worked in for the one, but the other was told that it’s hard to find his sort of work if you’re a fascist. I was astounded at the time but it didn’t take long to get over that as I talked to more and more people who were either the victims or perpetrators of similar attitudes. I have several friends now who are in fields largely seen as being dominated by liberals who are responsible for hiring people. They’re quite open about the fact that they try to tease out a person’s political and religious beliefs during the hiring process and if they’re conservative or a practicing Christian, they won’t hire them. A year or so ago, one told me that he looks at every applicant’s Facebook page and if they liked even a single Christian, Republican, pro-life or pro-gun pages, he wouldn’t hire them.

That’s crazy.

 

[friardchips]

That’s crazy.

Crazy but believable.

It is the same in the U.K. One can keep one’s faith private for only so long until the hounds of hell start sniffing and then you’re out. Over here in all industries especially the creative side of things all jobs go through recruitment agents and they hate Christians or are at least advised to not employ them. There is a hate war against Christianity and of course a lot will be directed from the creative industries because they have a lot to do with MEDIA!

I backtracked a bit earlier saying that it wasn’t a left thing only, and maybe it is not the politics or so heavily one-sided, but it is definitely an anti-Christian movement and mainly being driven from the media, left side, of the field although this is not an absolute and there will obviously be big exceptions. The War of Peace has truly begun folks!

 

[friardchips]

…although everyday throughout history there is a story of a war of peace for some Christian somewhere so nothing new in actual fact. npatrol:

 

[Gordon_Sims]

Crazy but believable.

It is the same in the U.K. One can keep one’s faith private for only so long until the hounds of hell start sniffing and then you’re out. Over here in all industries especially the creative side of things all jobs go through recruitment agents and they hate Christians or are at least advised to not employ them. There is a hate war against Christianity and of course a lot will be directed from the creative industries because they have a lot to do with MEDIA!

I backtracked a bit earlier saying that it wasn’t a left thing only, and maybe it is not the politics or so heavily one-sided, but it is definitely an anti-Christian movement and mainly being driven from the media, left side, of the field although this is not an absolute and there will obviously be big exceptions. The War of Peace has truly begun folks!

The bad thing is, there’s really nothing you can do about it unless you somehow got some sort of documentation proving that you were fired/not hired for that reason. One of my friends ran through some of the ways he can let someone go or avoid hiring them without putting himself in danger of discrimination accusations, everything from “I never received your resume,” to, “We’re still interviewing,” “They were more qualified,” “An expected contract fell through,” etc. However, even if I didn’t have friends admitting to me they’d done this, I’d still find it believable simply because of the number of times throughout my career when I’ve been told that it’s corporate policy to not respect my beliefs, or that expressing my beliefs would be considered hate speech and could get me fired.

 

[Midwest88]

Crazy but believable.

It is the same in the U.K. One can keep one’s faith private for only so long until the hounds of hell start sniffing and then you’re out. ****Over here in all industries especially the creative side of things all jobs go through recruitment agents and they hate Christians or are at least advised to not employ them. ****There is a hate war against Christianity and of course a lot will be directed from the creative industries because they have a lot to do with MEDIA!

I backtracked a bit earlier saying that it wasn’t a left thing only, and maybe it is not the politics or so heavily one-sided, but it is definitely an anti-Christian movement and mainly being driven from the media, left side, of the field although this is not an absolute and there will obviously be big exceptions. The War of Peace has truly begun folks!

bold: Whhaatt?!?

It seems that the UK has some special kind of loathsome reaction towards Christianity. The secularists I’ve come across from the UK, one a homosexual and one an actress, were absolutely vile when the subject of religion came up – not Islam, but Christianity. The actress shared a picture on twitter, of a bible, saying “I found this while cleaning my desk. Don’t care if I’m going to hell.” Did I mention she was an actress?

 

[Linda_Clare]

…although everyday throughout history there is a story of a war of peace for some Christian somewhere so nothing new in actual fact. npatrol:

 

[Linda_Clare]

I have replied twice. Where are my posts?

 

[Linda_Clare]

I think that “leftists” ideals are the result of observing and hearing remarks that are hurtful to those not necessarily in the mainstream.

Being an artist is a gift often used to help heal the pain of a person or group struggling for acceptance.

In the Church, there are many artists. The Church needs the gifts that the artist offers to heal the sick in body, mind, and soul. The artist leans to the left when the rules from the hierarchy or the hierarchy itself cause pain. Their sensitivity causes them to turn their back on rules and, sometimes, the hierarchy itself.

This is part of the makeup of an artist and I feel that God has made them this way.

 

[Robert_Filmer]

The left controls a society by propaganda. The right controls a society by authority.

Art is one of the primary ways propaganda is distributed.

You’ll notice that police tend to be in favor of “law and order”.