There is no originality or true creativity anymore.
We've substituted shock value for authentic creative risk taking.
We've chosen to be conformist to the idea that we're being non-conformist by taking a stand against something, rather than taking the risk of creating something that can and most likely will be criticized.
Being creative and daring has become less about probing the unknown boundaries of what we can achieve and more about attaching our creations to an idea or a movement, and absorbing any praise that is native to that movement into praise of our creation.
If I create a work of art that is in support of a cause, as noble as it may be, in a way it does cheapen the true nature of my creation because I am simply piggybacking on the views of that cause, in a way that it makes it nearly impossible to be completely critical of that creation because it has a binding quality to the cause, no matter how drab or dull the actual work of art is.
However if I venture into the unknown realm of ideas and the abyss of creative venture, I risk being misunderstood, confusing, or even considered crazy.
This true risk taking is where creativity is born. Perhaps that is why so many amazing works of art are born out of abject personal misery, because the creator reaches a point where they are searching for fulfillment through their work, and the risk is minimal to them in their particular situation.
If we reward every work of art that stands as a mouthpiece for a cause there will be an eventual watering down of art and entertainment. The worst part of all of this is that it subjects the audience to a form of groupthink, to where acceptance and praise of art is expected.
This completely throws off the entire process of what it means to be an artist. To create art and entertainment is a process of trial and error. Failure is just as integral to the journey as is success.
If we substitute failure for abject praise due solely to the subject matter that the artist is professing, we deprive them of that opportunity for growth.
