I read an interesting article today by Gene Edward Veith.  He says, “Contrary to common assumptions, ‘cultural issues’ are not about politics . . .culture itself has to do with an underlying social infrastructure---the realm of the family, education, and the arts.”  He goes on to add, “ Part of our cultural problem is that art has been reduced to an ‘entertainment industry.’ The most successful formula is to give consumers jolts of pleasure that will stimulate them out of their boredom . . .  [rather than] to edify an audience with works of meaning and beauty.”


Veith confirms my suspicions about a lot of advice on how to “make it” as an artist. The new and titillating sells.  Meaning and beauty may be passed over for the junk food of the pop and hip.   Like a caffeine soft drink, pop-culture art might be addictive, but it is not satisfying.