Open Call for Creative Responsibility

Don't blame our problems on corrupt or inept leaders, or even the bean counters who have now become high priests, and dehumanize decision making into a cost-benefit analysis. They are guilty of a great deal, but we have allowed these people to do what they do. We have only ourselves to blame. WE, the artists and all other creative types generally shy away from the worlds of business, politics, law and every other seat of power in society. We leave it to others.

Who is it who aspires to power? Usually, they are individuals who are motivated by self interest rather than by any sense of public duty. Or they might also have come out of some highly energized special interest, sub group who believes that they have The Answer which everyone else should be made to comply with.

We, the ones with creative juices coursing through our veins, might lend our support to genuinely worthwhile causes here and there, but still usually remain for the most part, elevated above it all. We channel the bulk of our considerable power and resourcefulness into "our work." I do it. It is what I prefer and enjoy more than almost anything else. It is an expression of hope for a perfect world where I have the luxury of concentrating only on such things. It is also a source of personal healing and renewal. And it can be beneficial to others as well.

But the sad truth is, we are at the point when very little time remains. It's not that the end is upon us, but the end of our insulated lives of oblivion is quickly approaching. We need to look around, and decide what sort of action is right for each of us, while there is still time to make any difference.

Those of us who are the most capable of seeing other possibilities need to begin stepping up and helping to lead the way. It is time for us to recognize that we have a Creative Responsibility toward the world. This doesn't mean that we stop doing what we love, but we can't hide away in our own little worlds any longer. It's time to come out, and kick some ass in all of the various competitive arenas we have tended to avoid. It doesn't matter that fair play is non-existent out there. We are the Creators and more than anyone else on the planet, we have the power to change things, if we make use of our abilities. We need to become tougher and prepare for battle. We need to begin to think of ourselves as soldiers. We will be become warriors motivated by a love of our world, and of the creative life which can empower and nourish all who embrace it.