What is the role of the artist when it comes to making the world better?

Question

Throughout its history, rock ’n’ roll has been derided as morally bankrupt, blamed for everything from the proliferation of drugs to the Columbine shootings. When it comes to social justice, though, rock has often led the way—it was on the vanguard of the peace and civil-rights movements, it raised money and awareness for the famine in Ethiopia, it helped American family farmers, and, to this day, its practitioners often look after one another when tragedy strikes the music community. In our July issue, we look at some of these artists—from Bono to Neil Young—who are trying to change the world. What is the role of the artist when it comes to making the world better? Should they just shut up and sing?

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Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I would hate to use the word "role" because it implies and obligation and I am not sure that art works well when saddled with obligations. Artists work best when unfettered with societal conventions.

However, I do believe that artists of all shapes and sizes do make the world a better place by expanding our personal, societal and world perspectives and visions. French philosopher and social critic, Marcel Proust, once wrote that "the real voyage of self-discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Artists are the new eyes of the world that allow us to see entirely new landscapes and possibilities.

Too many humans behave as a universe of one instead of a world of interconnected people who do best when they meld their collective strengths and perspectives to create new outlooks.

Artists remind us to see the world outside of ourselves. This is extremely valuable in a world filled with people trying to confine people's personal and world visions.

Artists also remind us to create and creating is a fundamental human need. Too many humans are living passive lives through which they watch the world go by. Artists say, "get up, stand up, create your world!" One needs to be reminded of this message every single day.

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Answer 2

Yes they should, they make people happy by making good albums thats what there here for obviously, I mean dont get me wrong obviously they should contribute but only like every idk 5 years or something

Answer 3

It's nice that they bring certain issues to the public consciousness that they might otherwise not be aware of. If they are lucky they will get aid for that cause. But I really believe they should shut up and sing.

Answer 4

Music is art, and art is expression- what the artist expresses is of course up to the artist. Activism and the arts are by no means mutaully exclusive- though indeed there are some high profile entertainers who take this path. I think they probably still would, to some degree- even if they WEREN'T high profile entertainers. Their role in trying to make the world better doesn't differ from yours or mine; even though by way of their fame they may have better means to do so.

Answer 5

Because artists are so influential in todays society they should help raise awarness for on going problmes like poverty, global warming, aids, and the enviroment. They put on concerts like Live Earth, to get their fans to listen, and to hopefully persuade them to help in their cause. For example I'm going to a John Mayer concert this summer and he is touring on "another kind of green" (his own "save the enviroment" thing) wiht Reverb but he is making small changes like using bio diesel fuel on his bus to show his fans that helping the enviroment is not hard, he is showing that even if you make one change in youre daily rutine, it can help in the long run. So I think it is really a benefit for artists to raise awarness, they have the largest fan bases and can effect many people.

Source(s):

http://www.reverbrock.org/JohnMayer/

Answer 6

The role of the artist is trying to help people think different opinions to a situation/problem, or just shouting out loud how we can make the world better, or giving inspiration.

But think about how many inspirational songs we've had these days. I will give you five dollars if you find a Gangsta Rap, Hip-Hop, or Rock song made in 2007 that gives you inspiration, but I'm not here to "rap" (as in complain) on current music.

Shutting up and singing would be horrible, because then what would the point of the song be? Music would be boring without opinions, because we all have them, and music in my opinion is the best way to express them.

Answer 7

The role of the Artist should be of one whom sets a good example. Propper dress, language, messages, lifestyle. Like the Artists on "104.7 the Fish" radio station of Atl GA.

Answer 8

I am tired off it and wish they would just shut up and sing. Only a few like Bono really have delved into the background of an issue to speak intelligently on it. Others just jump on the latest bandwagon and there talk is more scripted than their songs in concert. And I went to the concerts in the 70's on stopping nuclear power. Now I just want them to be musicians let me research the areas I am interested in and find the experts I can really trust to give me a stand.

Answer 9

True art makes people think and feel.

Answer 10

Josh --
Harmony among people is a desired goal for the world to function better for the good of all --- but, this can only exist when there is harmony WITHIN people !!
The "artist" serves his or her "public" with offerings of their own special blend of talent (s) AND, in most cases-- THIS is the contribution that they make -- communicating with THAT individual or group -- saying in a special way what THOSE people most want expressed and can relate to !!
And, artists can choose to be as exclusive to a slim marginal group or as wide ranged as they feel compelled to relate to !!

It is only when artists have found a following among the widest of audiences that they wield a sweeping ability to create far ranging changes within the world -- and how they USE this opportunity is, within itself, a very arbitrary thing !!
This power can be used to create awareness of major social issues OR to turn public attention into hostile action on almost any front with the right expertise !!

But, the most effective and far ranging effect of artists within the world at large on an everyday basis and thru the full spectrum OF the arts -- is to communicate to the people that are drawn to their work and create within THEM a sense of belonging and harmony with the world (as they see it) where they are ---- Thus, with every individual that is happier with the world because of this lift -- the world is made better because there is one less person walking around feeling like there is no one else in the world that understands or cares !!!

The major artists that take on world causes, though, should be damn sure that they are on target with the issues within their own hearts, however --- because the world, with just the slimest of timelines can figure out a fake -- and when it comes to such stuff as THIS -- they are very slow to EVER forgive OR forget !! The career can go FAR faster than it came !!

Answer 11

They haven't made the world a better place. Those rock for charity events are rip-offs no aid really goes to the poor it goes to the stars and their promoters. I think that the artists should zip up their pants and stop having illigitimate children and acting like foolish people for all the world to see. Environmental green concerns are a socialist hoax.

Answer 12

It's not an artist's responsibility. It's up to the people observing the art.

Answer 13

The artist's main role in making the world better is to bring forth ideas, dreams, emotion and awareness of the world around them through their music, art, and actions. Take John Lennon and Leonardo Da Vinci. How would the world be without them?

Answer 14

-Promote peace - between people, and for the world
-Promote green living (environmental issues)
-Go against killer home-made drugs (meth, crack, etc.)
-Promote feeding the hungry, and housing the homeless
-Try to end racial and cultural hatred
-Promote 'safe' sex

No, artists are too influential to 'just shut up and sing'. I think because of all the influence they do have, that they should be doing something to better the world--our neighborhoods--our interactions with others--the way we care for our own minds and bodies.

People follow some artists all over the states (even all over the world). It would be a great thing if those artists were communicating good, sincere advice for them to listen to. This holds true not only for musical artists--but for actors, writers, journalists and everyone who has the means to communicate to the masses.

I do applaud those artists whom are already making contributions, and hope that many more will join them.

Answer 15

they should have no role as they are unelected ! Jeff

Answer 16

If artists just resigned to shutting up and singing, we wouldn't have:
Bob Dylan
Joan Baez
U2
Joni Mitchell
Marvin Gaye
Stevie Wonder
Pearl Jam

Could you imagine a world if these performers were just cookie cutter?

Answer 17

artists are the face of world changing. Bono was mentioned; he's the one who urges us to lobby on behalf of AIDS victinms in Africa. Marilyn Manson was blamed at the Colombine shootings. either way, good or bad, artists are going to get fingers pointed at them. On the negative side, bands such as the Sex Pistols or the Clash will be blamed by parents for turning a child violent. On the positive side bands such as U2 or Neil Yound will be blamed for making a child more aware of whats going on around them. In my opinion music and the artists behind it are a voice for the voiceless(ie opinionated teenagers or African AIDS or genocide victims), whether they want to be or not, and they're going to get fingers pointed at their music and image, whether they want it or not.artists shouldn't have to "Shut up and sing" if they don't want to or feel the need to.

Answer 18

The role of a good artistt is to be able to say what he/she thinks is the fact that they have the power to be able to make a difference and we as fans are going to do the same. Real artis are the ones that care about what is going on around them and are always trying to change it in some way. Bono is a great example of how an artist should be because he is so openly on what he wants to change and we always see him trying to do something to help and always do the right thing. When artist try to make a change not in the music industry but also on what is going on around the world it makes them more likable because they are trying to change something that is wrong. So I don't think artist should just shut up and sing because the real artist have the power to get to there fans and try to influence them to help in anything they can and try to make a difference.

Answer 19

If you want to make the world a better place you focus more on making people smile. Some people have a greater potential to impact larger audiences (such as Neil Young and Bono) but we can all make small advances in the examples we set and the small acts of kindness we share. Change is a slow evolution that really starts with just caring about others.

Answer 20

As Bono says, "Celebrity is currency and this is how I choose to spend it."

With power comes responsibility. Some artists simply choose to entertain. That's their choice. I tend to gravitate towards those who have something meaningful to say, those who are lending their voice to champion a message or a cause, those who choose to "add to the beauty". (Check out an artist named Sara Groves and her site www.addtothebeauty.com!)

Life is short. It's up to us to invest it well, whether we're an artist or not. No one ever gets to the end and wishes they'd owned more things or worked more hours.... only that they'd loved better, spoken up for the voiceless, cared well for people. So whether you speak or write or make music, it's up to you to lend your voice to the causes that you deem worthwhile. And then speak loudly.

Answer 21

Well, they are using their celebrity for what they believe to be good causes I suppose, but it can go to extremes.

You get some well intentioned but arrogant and perhaps not even very intelligent performers like Paul McCartney spouting off about the seal hunt when he has no clue about the over abundance of seals or the reliance of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador on the hunt to stay alive.

Then there is neo-fascist Ted Nugent who popularizes ultra-right thought.

So sure, it's a good idea, but along with your minor pop musicians like Bob Geldof and big stars like Bono and Neil Young doing good works, you get the other side too.

Answer 22

To me, music is much more than just the sound of it. Alot of artists don't understand that though. They just want to make music that will impress the listener so they can become rich, but its just making the world worse. People are so concerned with what celebrities are doing, and how they're acting. Fortunately there are a few rock 'n' roll artists that set good examples. Heck no they shouldn't just shut up and sing.

Answer 23

They should hold a mirror up to society.

Answer 24

In this humble observers opinion, the role of the artist when it comes to making the world better is to be a positive representative of the ideals and actions that will stand to make a impact on our world both in major things and minor things. I feel they should use their music, their fame, their public influence, and power to set a good example. This is especially true when it comes to the very young and impressionable generation of fans out there. Money and fame is great - but knowing how to use it proactively is even better. You ask me should they just shut up and sing. Well my answer to that is - any average person can remain silent about world issues and just stand along the sidelines and provide entertainment. However, the real artist (and in many cases role models) will not only bring their craft to the world, but also bring a lasting contribution to the world also.

Remember...

A song may fade away with time, but a noble deed lives on forever. Cheers!

Answer 25

An artist cannot make the world "better". They can only contribute there own visions of the world to the world, and then let the world decide whether its an improvement, or a valuable contribution to the world and the people in it. For every contribution, there will be good and bad associated with it, and over time, those positions can radically change.

Answer 26

Songs have the power to influence and stand the test of time. an artist's job is to influence the world and be a good role model.

Answer 27

Yes they should shut up & sing We only hear from the ones with the lefty causes anyway.Isnt it grand how Bob Geldof was able to stop African hunger???PLEASE.!! Before Bono nags other countries for money he should pay his OWN taxesinIreland.

Answer 28

Hi. In today's world, it's almost a staple to have an idol and for that reason who we idolizes matters, and therefore, the roles these idols play, whether they realize it or not, affects the lives of hundreds, thousands, and maybe millions of followers.

They are mentors, teachers, leaders. Whether they realize it or not great responsibility has been thrust upon them, as has upon those who represent us, in the media, government and elsewhere.

In today's world, I think we have much more opportunity to impact the world in ways we never could before--and individually we can reach out through the internet as well.

It just always takes SOMEONE to pick up that torch and say "walk this way".

So just as a parent would be (and should be) a good role model, just a teacher would be a good mentor and guide, and just as a counselor or minister would be a good listener and healer, a celebrity becomes someone we admire or despise.

I can't see what good an artist like Marilyn Manson can possibly symbolize, and up until now what has Paris Hilton done but epitomize smut and the uselessness of a pompous lifestyle and serve for not one good thing that could possibly benefit society in the least...and yet all the wannabes follow like drones.

As the possibility of Armageddon seems more of a reality, and with the world becoming a smaller and smaller place as the population increases to levels never before reached in our existence, we can no longer ignore what happens around us. Sooner or later we will be engulfed in the problems we have so quickly dismissed and ignored in the past as "someone else's problem".

Sure you will have people who say "shut up and sing" because they want to either ignore what is going on, cover up what is going on, or simply want their worlds to remain unchanged and let someone else handle the problems as if they have some God given right to everything. But there are too many problems that we just can sit complacently by anymore.

Somebody has to effect positive changes. And God didn't put us on this planet to be led by nose by others. We each are capable of doing all that we need to do to survive.

I think celebrities are given opportunities to do something more than just collect fat paychecks and sing to the masses, etc. and say thank you very muchly. I think they were given their gifts, as artists, in order to reach our heartstrings and in order to benefit society.

Unfortunately, some misuse their status or power, some abuse it, some turn into pure gluttons, never, ever having enough. What good is all that wealth and power when it doesn't do any good for anyone else?

So bravo to those who have a vision and a mission to make this world a better place.

There is no greater reward and people are always seeking to find hope, and possibly, more than anything that is what they do, give us hope.

Answer 29

Some artists are believable in this role, however most use it as a way to make personal gain. Bono, for instance, makes more money than most countries GDP, doesn't pay taxes, gets paid for all his promotions, etc.; and then has the nerve to dictate to others, especially countries, what they 'should' be doing. I usually don't support any cause that an artist promotes because I see most of their dealings as self-serving. If they promoted that they are volunteering their time, energy, money, etc to the cause while asking for money and support, then I would support it. Other than that, they should "just shut up and sing".

Answer 30

They are frauds.

Answer 31

They should share the love.