What good are the arts I know the answer thanks to Brad Pitt :)

October 2 2011, 4:15 PM  by Bernie Michalik

I have tried to read this book twice now, and both times I gave up after a
few chapters. It's a shame, because I believe there is a positive answer to
the question towards the end of this book. Sadly, the first part of the
book is filled with sophomoric arguments on why the arts are not good, and
while it is entertaining at first, later on it becomes tiring.

That book aside, I can name two things that the arts are good for. I
learned them, or relearned them, thanks to Brad Pitt! This week I watched
Moneyball and The Tree of Life, two films he acted in and helped get made.
In the first film, what I relearned is that the arts help you to take stock
of yourself and reflect upon yourself and how you live. It gives you an
sharper awareness of yourself you may not have had otherwise. The second
film help me gain a reappreciation of my own world. After I saw The Tree of
Life, even the smallest thing in my life today has my attention.

Two films: one improving my internal awareness and one improving my
external awareness. Good things indeed. The arts are good for many things.
This is just one set of reasons why.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Handheld.

68 views and 2 responses

  • Oct 2 2011, 9:29 PM
    Joanne MacDonald responded:
    Well said :) ...Now, could you please explain this to the trustees of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, who just voted in favor of CLOSING Amy's school!!!
    (The ONLY school east of Toronto that offers an Integrated Fine Arts Program! : (
  • Oct 23 2011, 6:42 PM
    Bernie Michalik responded:
    Really?! That is terrible. Such types of schools should be common, not rare. I am sorry to hear that.