Best of the Week: Importance of The Arts

There are many different topics talked about during class, and majority of these topics are always interesting. One particular topic we talked about this week was the fact that some schools around the world, even around the United States, do not provide music courses or courses pertaining to the arts. This was something I had never realized was such a big deal, until now.

We watched the movie Born into the Brothels which really focused on this idea that the simple art of photography can not only entertains oneself, but can also, in most circumstances, change someone's life. The lives of these children in the movie were more than just chagned; they were transformed. We looked at a website during class that showed where these kids were in their lives. Majority of these kids were happy and successful. What more can you ask for in life? It just amazes me that such a simple task, such as photography, can change someone's life that dramatically. The minute we talked about how some school limited these arts from students shocked me. I finally realized that if there are so many people being held back from these types of opportunities, imagine if they were actually presented to things like art and photography and music. Imagine all the "could have been" musicians and artist that would have evolved from this group of people. Sometimes this is just mind blowing.

Some might find it weird that I would be so shocked by this because many would question why I even care. I am not what they like to consider an artistic person. In fact, I am more into the sports aspect of life. However, that does not give me a reason to not care and understand that people who have the greatest potential are being held back from some of the most extraordinary things we have had for centuries. However, others may ask why I am in complete shock. The answer to that is simple. I have lived such a fortunate life. I am not talking about being fortunate by the fact that I have loving parents, a roof over my head, and live a stable life style. I am talking about being fortunate because throughout my whole schooling life, or as far as i can remember, I have been given the opportunity to explore the world of the arts. It just shocks me that the kid in the brothels were never able to experience what I had experienced. And it shocks me even more that kids similar to me, have not experienced this whole new world before.

If I were to take anything from this lesson, I would take one thing. I would never underestimate what the arts can do for a person. In fact, I would never underestimate what any hobby could do for someone. As long as you love what you do and your passionate about it, it can change your life. Just like a simple camera did for the kids in the brothels.