When the Call is Coming from Inside the House: The Role of the Creative During These Times

To say that it’s been an interesting few weeks here in the United States would feel like the understatement of the century at this point.

From attacks on the trans community, to the predictable crackdown on DEI, and giving the richest man in the world carte blanche over the federal government, it’s anything but business as usual in Washington these days. Reading the news these days feels like getting punched out by a prime Mike Tyson and wondering when the hell the bell is going to ring to give you a pause to catch your breath.

For the creative community these are interesting times nonetheless. Art alone won’t save us, but it can help give us meaning during these chaotic times. Whether it be paintings, drawings, television, film, or literature, all have meaning and purpose and must be protected. I emphasize protected, because the arts are being threatened by the anti-DEI dragnet currently taking hold within the current administration.

However, despite these attacks, artists and creatives don’t have to take this lying down. As a matter of fact, some of the best work comes during troubled times. Case-in-point during the 1960s, probably the roughest decade for America (until ironically, the 2020s) some of the best music this country has ever produced came out during that era of Civil Rights, war, and societal upheaval.

I have no idea what these next 4 years will hold, but I know that as creatives, we must continue to speak truth to power, regardless of who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. For our country and future selves depend on it.

Photo by Zez Vaz

2 Years Running

Time sure does fly. In the two years since starting this blog, I’ve definitely enjoyed writing about a number of topics connected to film and media. Whether it’s been profiling specific films or TV shows, or controversies within the media, or even just showcasing a music video, I believe at the very least these things can add something to the broader discussion. Acknowledgement, analysis and discussion on topics not heavily covered in mainstream media, I believe, is part of the journey of greater enlightenment about things that may not be familiar to oneself.

In the coming months I plan to debut a new series of articles highlighting local artists/poets/musicians/change agents, under the title of FilmSwag Features. FilmSwag Features will most likely include a small article and a short video on somebody in the art world (doesn’t necessarily have to be film) who is either just starting out or has a message they want to tell. It’s part of a process of highlighting real people doing exemplary things that for whatever reason go unnoticed by many. So definitely look out for that. Also, if anyone has any ideas or topics they would like to see covered, feel free to hit me up at filmswag11@gmail.com. While I can’t promise that I’ll be able to cover every topic somebody leaves in my inbox, I will certainly look into each one.

Finally, I just once again want to say THANK YOU to anyone and everyone who has read my articles, shared my work or commented on this site. It is definitely appreciated. Hell, even if you hate the articles but just come here for the music videos, I appreciate that too. As always, lets continue to keep getting educated together.

Charles S. Dutton on the Difference Between Entertainers, Actors and Artists

“An entertainer will do anything. An actor will do most things. But an artist will only do those things he or she feels advances civilization.”
                                                           
                                                                                       – Charles S. Dutton