As I've reached my 50s and I no longer feel the need to win every argument. Because I have learned to accept that we are individuals and we will have different opinions about different things. That doesn't mean I need to hate on someone because they do think the way I do. This is the reason I find it perfectly normal. I have a specialty now that I can spend an hour talking about a topic and in the end I would still end by saying, "Maybe I'm wrong." I just have no energy to argue about something if we don't have same opinions.
Years ago, I was with my young daughters in front of my house. My two daughters were drawing with colorful chalk on the pavement. I was there because their mom went outside for some work. So, my daughters made some cute flowers and a funny-looking cat that somehow had three legs. In a while, someone was passing by it was a young man, he was wearing a T-shirt covered with words that many people would probably find offensive. Well, my daughters began to ask me what was the meaning of those words and I was very nervous as what am I supposed to tell them now? Then I told them "It's nothing some people like to shock others." Then they look confused so I changed the subject immediately.
So, when I think about murals and paintings in public places. I don't believe every offensive painting should be banned. Because I think because of different mindset we will always have something to complain about but it doesn't mean we have to get it banned. I think people who loves art they would see those as in form of art, but who doesn't understand it and people who dislike it they would see it as an insult. If we start removing everything that upsets someone, there may not be much left to hang on the walls.
I don't agree if an artist wants to paint anything at any place. Even if they paint something explicit, they can do it where it's more preferable there's always a suitable place for such things. But I also believe that artists should be allowed to paint anything because it's their personal choice but the choice of place matters a lot. I don't think public walls are the perfect place to showcase such arts. It's not the same as a private art gallery. Because in public place there will be children, families, old people and visitors. Also, they should know the boundaries and difference between expressing an opinion because most of the it's more like forcing everyone else to look at it every single day.
Freedom of speech doesn't mean we got freedom from responsibility. We shouldn't use it as a privilege and do whatever we can because there are no rules or obligations for it. For an example, I could shout at every stranger who disagrees with me but what would that achieve? The same goes for public art.
Do you know what kind of art stayed with me for a long time? Because it had a deep meaningful story and it made me think about it repeatedly. Artists may think if they are the loudest or the most offensive then they will be heard but that's not the case. A story without trying to insult anyone can also shine bright like a star.
Lastly, I would want my children to know that respect is important in life, once it's lost it can't be earned like the other things in life. I will try my best to give them knowledge about how to respect others feeling as well as their own. In the end, we have the power to do anything but that doesn't mean we have to exploit the freedom.
Credits:
thumbnail is ai generated with chatgpt.
My Socials
Instagram
