Should art afflict the comfortable and who is still comfortable?
an important newsletter on the future of Tender Rebellion
The idea that art should afflict the comfortable is a perspective rooted in the belief that art should challenge established norms. It should provoke thought and address social or political issues. In other words, art should not merely serve as entertainment or decoration but should also push boundaries, question authority, and confront power structures. Nothing wrong with that, but that’s a lot of shoulds.
The quote "Art should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" is often attributed to the American journalist, humorist, and social commentator Finley Peter Dunne. Dunne was known for his fictional character Mr. Dooley, an Irish-American bartender who provided humorous and satirical commentary on politics and society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
While Dunne himself did not explicitly use the exact phrase, variations of this sentiment have been associated with his work. The quote is widely used to express the idea that art, including literature, should challenge the powerful and provide solace to those who are marginalised or suffering. This leads me to think...
Who are the comfortable?
"The comfortable" usually refers to individuals or groups who are relatively privileged. This means that they live mostly unaffected by the injustices and inequalities present in society. They can be in positions of power and have much wealth or social advantage. So, afflicting the comfortable through art means creating works that challenge and disrupt the complacency of those who benefit from the status quo.
Art and literature hold up a mirror to society and they expose its flaws and contradictions. They act to stimulate critical thinking and encourage people to question their beliefs and assumptions, while offering alternative perspectives and shedding light on marginalised experiences. But what if you are not so very comfortable?
You and trauma art
While art that explores experiences of trauma can offers several benefits, such as catharsis, validation, increased awareness and empathy; it also contains the potential for re-traumatisation, exploitation, and triggering without proper support systems.
Especially in online spaces, a lack of sensitivity, ethical consideration, and content warnings mean that you can easily have a situation where the afflicted becomes even more afflicted by trauma art. I know this to be true, because it happened to me and is still happening on a regular basis because of the way social media algorithms work.
Trauma art on social media
Of course social media algorithms are complex, and they can vary across different platforms. So, it is challenging to make definitive statements about their preferences. However, it is worth noting that social media algorithms are designed to optimise user engagement and keep people on the platform for longer periods. In this pursuit, algorithms often prioritise content that generates higher levels of interaction, such as likes, comments, and shares.
Trauma-related art, particularly when it addresses sensitive and emotional topics, can elicit strong reactions and engagement from viewers. You may feel compelled to share or comment on such content as a way to express your empathy, support, or personal experiences. I know I did! As a result, social media algorithms may recognise this engagement and potentially amplify trauma-related art in your feed as it did in mine.
Comforting art and literature
While I started to write mainly as a way of coming to terms with a chronic illness, I have expanded my vision to include the wider world since. I have already expressed that I couldn’t continue to write and engage with art and literature online in the same way. While I’m a rebel to my bones, I don’t want to put out work that could potentially further afflict the already-afflicted. I want my work to be more (re)constructive.
The idea that art should comfort the afflicted suggests that art has a role in providing solace, support, and emotional relief to those who are experiencing adversity. It recognizes the therapeutic qualities of art and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of those who are suffering. Perhaps that is you and me.
Art and literature as therapy
Looking at paintings or reading poems can have a positive therapeutic impact in several ways. Paintings and poems evoke your emotions and provide a non-verbal and symbolic outlet for you to explore and process your feelings. The symbolic elements in art invite you to contemplate your own thoughts and experiences, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Additionally, art can provide validation and empathy by depicting shared human experiences, creating a sense of connection and understanding.
It’s clear to me that art and literature can offer inspiration and hope. Paintings and poems can convey beauty, resilience, and positive messages, providing inspiration and a renewed perspective on life. That’s why I’m shifting the focus of this newsletter to poetry and art therapy.
What’s next for Tender Rebellion
I have a strong desire to write poems that embody mindfulness and create a space for introspection and emotional well-being. Mindful poetry can be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-awareness, allowing us to delve deep into our thoughts and emotions. That is why I aim to create poems that encourage presence, reflection, and a heightened sense of awareness in myself and you. Through my writing I will strive to cultivate a sense of calm, inner peace, and connection to the present moment.
In addition to my personal poetic journey, I’m also intrigued by the therapeutic potential of exploring paintings and poems created by other artists. By immersing ourselves in visual masterpieces or evocative verses, we can tap into a vast reservoir of inspiration and healing. Paintings, with their vivid colours, brushstrokes, and visual narratives, can offer solace and escape. They can evoke emotions, create a sense of awe, and provide a sanctuary for introspection.
Likewise, poems by other artists can act as emotional guides, offering language and imagery to articulate complex feelings and experiences. They can capture the essence of joy, sorrow, love, grief, resilience, and countless other emotional states. I aspire to explore how these poems resonate with our own emotions.
So let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and connection.
Are you with me?
This is going to be wonderful. 💜
I love this post, Connie. I only recently started writing poetry and it's all those things. I am really shocked at how healing it is. I hope you'll take a minute and read a recent post of mine if you have the time (How to Love the Body through the Transformational Power of Poetry on 2/21) where I state that the act of writing a poem about my belly split me open. I had no idea that was in there. Thank you for your beautiful writing. I just subscribed.