I’m really uncomfortable with the notion that basically anything is permissible for the sake of art, as long as the message is one we can get behind. Not only is it a lazy mindset, art with no boundaries or rules or restraints is often lacking, but it also opens the door for
people turn a blind eye to immorality if it furthers art and furthers the message. When you are pushing the limits of what is acceptable, trying to be shocking, trying to make people uncomfortable, by using tactics that are questionable at best, instead of giving yourself
restraints of decency, you don’t learn how to create a poignant piece using creative subtly, suggestion, imagery, and symbolism, but instead by simply showing all, you often end up engaging in the same or in the least encouraging the same behaviour you claim to condemn.
I do not think we should stray away from depicting the ugliness of the world in our art and storytelling, but I think people have lost the ability to know how to do that in delicate yet powerful ways. You either get those weak Christian films that almost parody sin and evil or
we just... show it all as it is. And like shock comedy, using sex, violence, nudity, etc. for shock soon becomes obvious and predictable as it becomes more commonplace, so you have to continually push those boundaries if you want to really shock anyone anymore. So where do you
stop? Have people lost the ability to know where to draw the line? I believe a lot of people have. And it makes me sad because I think they have become blinded and desensitised to the point where they really can’t distinguish right from wrong.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
