Margaret Atwood hits the nail on the head

The post below is not my work (unfortunately!) but expresses thoughts I think she's right about our current government's distaste for arts and culture. The arts are not elitist. They're what keep us from eating grey cardboard cereal and living in grey cardboard houses and painting grey cardboard pictures and worst of all, thinking grey cardboard thoughts.

But enough outta me....

What sort of country do we want to live in? What sort of country do we already live in? What do we like? Who are we? At present, we are a very creative country. For decades, we've been punching above our weight on the world stage - in writing, in popular music and in many other fields. Canada was once a cultural void on the world map, now it's a force. In addition, the arts are a large segment of our economy: The Conference Board estimates Canada's cultural sector generated $46-billion, or 3.8 per cent of Canada's GDP, in 2007. And, according to the Canada Council, in 2003-2004, the sector accounted for an “estimated 600,000 jobs (roughly the same as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil & gas and utilities combined).”

But we've just been sent a signal by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that he gives not a toss for these facts. Tuesday, he told us that some group called “ordinary people” didn't care about something called “the arts.” His idea of “the arts” is a bunch of rich people gathering at galas whining about their grants. Well, I can count the number of moderately rich writers who live in Canada on the fingers of one hand: I'm one of them, and I'm no Warren Buffett. I don't whine about my grants because I don't get any grants. I whine about other grants - grants for young people, that may help them to turn into me, and thus pay to the federal and provincial governments the kinds of taxes I pay, and cover off the salaries of such as Mr. Harper. In fact, less than 10 per cent of writers actually make a living by their writing, however modest that living may be. They have other jobs. But people write, and want to write, and pack into creative writing classes, because they love this activity – not because they think they'll be millionaires.

Every single one of those people is an “ordinary person.” Mr. Harper's idea of an ordinary person is that of an envious hater without a scrap of artistic talent or creativity or curiosity, and no appreciation for anything that's attractive or beautiful. My idea of an ordinary person is quite different. Human beings are creative by nature. For millenniums we have been putting our creativity into our cultures - cultures with unique languages, architecture, religious ceremonies, dances, music, furnishings, textiles, clothing and special cuisines. “Ordinary people” pack into the cheap seats at concerts and fill theatres where operas are brought to them live. The total attendance for “the arts” in Canada in fact exceeds that for sports events. “The arts” are not a “niche interest.” They are part of being human.

Moreover, “ordinary people” are participants. They form book clubs and join classes of all
kinds - painting, dancing, drawing, pottery, photography - for the sheer joy of it. They sing in choirs, church and other, and play in marching bands. Kids start garage bands and make their own videos and web art, and put their music on the Net, and draw their own graphic novels.

“Ordinary people” have other outlets for their creativity, as well: Knitting and quilting have made comebacks; gardening is taken very seriously; the home woodworking shop is active. Add origami, costume design, egg decorating, flower arranging, and on and on ... Canadians, it seems, like making things, and they like appreciating things that are made.

They show their appreciation by contributing. Canadians of all ages volunteer in vast numbers for local and city museums, for their art galleries and for countless cultural festivals - I think immediately of the Chinese New Year and the Caribana festival in Toronto, but there are so many others. Literary festivals have sprung up all over the country - volunteers set them up and provide the food, and “ordinary people” will drag their lawn chairs into a field - as in Nova Scotia's Read by the Sea - in order to listen to writers both local and national read and discuss their work. Mr. Harper has signalled that as far as he is concerned, those millions of hours of volunteer activity are a waste of time. He holds them in contempt.

I suggest that considering the huge amount of energy we spend on creative activity, to be creative is “ordinary.” It is an age-long and normal human characteristic: All children are born creative. It's the lack of any appreciation of these activities that is not ordinary. Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he has no knowledge of, or respect for, the capacities and interests of “ordinary people.” He's the “niche interest.” Not us.

It's been suggested that Mr. Harper's disdain for the arts is not merely a result of ignorance or a tin ear - that it is “ideologically motivated.” Now, I wonder what could be meant by that? Mr. Harper has said quite rightly that people understand we ought to keep within a budget. But his own contribution to that budget has been to heave the Liberal-generated surplus overboard so we have nothing left for a rainy day, and now, in addition, he wants to jeopardize those 600,000 arts jobs and those billions of dollars they generate for Canadians. What's the idea here? That arts jobs should not exist because artists are naughty and might not vote for Mr. Harper? That Canadians ought not to make money from the wicked arts, but only from virtuous oil? That artists don't all live in one constituency, so who cares? Or is it that the majority of those arts jobs are located in Ontario and Quebec, and Mr. Harper is peeved at those provinces, and wants to increase his ongoing gutting of Ontario - $20-billion a year of Ontario taxpayers' money going out, a dribble grudgingly allowed back in - and spank Quebec for being so disobedient as not to appreciate his magnificence? He likes punishing, so maybe the arts-squashing is part of that: Whack the Heartland.

Or is it even worse? Every budding dictatorship begins by muzzling the artists, because they're a mouthy lot and they don't line up and salute very easily. Of course, you can always get some tame artists to design the uniforms and flags and the documentary about you, and so forth - the only kind of art you might need - but individual voices must be silenced, because there shall be only One Voice: Our Master's Voice. Maybe that's why Mr. Harper began by shutting down funding for our artists abroad. He didn't like the competition for media space.

The Conservative caucus has already learned that lesson. Rumour has it that Mr. Harper's idea of what sort of art you should hang on your wall was signalled by his removal of all pictures of previous Conservative prime ministers from their lobby room - including John A. and Dief the Chief - and their replacement by pictures of none other than Mr. Harper himself. History, it seems, is to begin with him. In communist countries, this used to be called the Cult of Personality. Mr. Harper is a guy who - rumour has it, again - tried to disband the student union in high school and then tried the same thing in college. Destiny is calling him, the way it called Qin Shi Huang, the Chinese emperor who burnt all records of the rulers before himself. It's an impulse that's been repeated many times since, the list is very long. Tear it down and level it flat, is the common motto. Then build a big statue of yourself. Now that would be Art!

Adapted from the 2008 Hurtig Lecture, to be delivered in Edmonton on Oct. 1

So many elections, so little time...

For me, politics is like watching a soap opera, except in real time and with metaphorical deaths and resurrections (for the most part). So, with the Canadian and U.S. federal elections, and soon a new PC leader in NB, I can't even keep up, and that's the way I like it.

The Canadian and U.S. elections could hardly be more different - there is a LOT at stake south of the border, and everyone can sense it. The fact that young people, women and voters of colour will decide this election (between an inter-racial ticket or an inter-gender ticket, no less) shows that slowly, the face of politics is changing. To what end, the debate remains.

In Canada, nobody is particularly fired up. It seems we are always going to the polls, and the choices offered for PM this time are lacklustre. A choice between a fractured Liberal party, the mean-spirited Harper Conservatives or tossing your vote to left-wingers or separatists suggests that most votes will be "protest" votes, but for what or against what, we're not exactly sure. Maybe part of the problem is that few Canadians know where they want the country to go next.

So, a couple of interesting links for the political junkies: an interactive map about female politicians in the world . Canada isn't doing so hot, nor is most of the G-8, for that matter. And New Brunswick is one of the worst provinces for female MP's.

Finally, Paul Well's excellent piece on exactly how calculating Stephen Harper is. He's not the ideologically driven man that a lot of critics would have us believe. He's driven by winning, and holding on to power long enough to change Canada. So read this-I wouldn't be surprised if Harper's people are running Census figures on every riding in the country, figuring out exactly whose votes he needs to gain a majority, and focus-grouping the heck out of those demographics to see what promises will win them.

It's almost like the "market-research" mentality has taken over the PMO. In this respect, Harper's campaign bears a remarkable similarity to the debates over how to win swing ridings in Ohio, Pennsylvani and Florida. Whether McCain's selection of a female running mate will turn that tide, we shall see.

The party that wrecked America

If the whole echoes-of the Great-Depression, who-took-the-capital-out-of capitalism thing is catching your attention, continue reading here. It's hard to believe the meltdown going on south of the 49th parallel, except when you stop and consider how long the system has been corrupt.

Consider the scenario of the last few weeks:

1. We are continually being told that high oil prices are a result of "supply and demand."
2. A major hurricane invades the U.S. refinery coast (Gulf Coast, sorry) and the price of gas jumps. Fine.
3. The week after historic and prestigious banks seek bankruptcy protection, the price of oil goes back down. The justification is, 'we need to keep the economy growing."

So, which is it? Is the price of oil controlled by psychological reasoning (ie. what is supposedly 'good' for the economy) or is it actually controlled by supply and demand?

Answers, please, because this rational economy is looking more schizophrenic every day.

If it's broke, don't fix it

That's right. Because soon, it looks like only the dealer who sold you the car will have the knowledge necessary to fix it. Apparently auto makers are trying to restrict access to diagnostic software and chips necessary to maintaining newer cars. So small garages can forget about working on newer cars.

Boys, my '88 Camry is looking better all the time. Metaphorically, of course.

On the Diagonal

"I think the city has made it clear over the last number of years that the No. 1 priority is pedestrians. No. 2 is transit, three is cyclists, and four is the car," Mr. Rae said. "... This is an experiment to see if pedestrians are able to benefit from this, and if we are able to get drivers to cope."

Down the Generations

Over the weekend, I came across an interesting idea that, in all of American history, there are basically only four generational types. Of course, these 'personalities' manifest themselves differently according to what is happening in society at the time, but the values, methods and orientations remain largely the same. Like the seasons, they follow each other in an endless cycle.

As a child, I spent a LOT of time with my grandparents and other senior citizens, and have always greatly admired them for determination in the face of hardship and a strong emphasis on community. According to these theorists, both generations are based on the 'Hero' archetype. This reaffirmed a kinship I had always felt, but had no way to explain.

Have a look to see which generation you are, and whether it resonates with you. Considering the Boomers are the "Prophet" archetype, and that their coming-of-age is linked to "sanctifying," I'd say these guys are on to something. Other "Prophet" cohorts have included the Missionary, Puritain and Transcendentalist generations.

On a sad note, work starts again tomorrow so I won't be blogging nearly as much. Thanks for reading this summer and hope you're well, wherever you are. I will continue to keep an eye out for interesting little bits and to enjoy life's mysteries.

Not free, not school

In lieu of a wonderful camping trip (beautiful weather!) I chose to stay home and enjoy an impromptu trip to a FABULOUS record store in . . . Bangor, Maine. I know - Bangor. You need to check this out-it has a section for everything, including new vinyl, tv on dvd, movies, and playstation games (if that's your bag). Forget the 'outlet shopping.'

My visit to this luscious temple of artistic consumerism secured multiple albums for my increasingly stale cd collection, with an emphasis on live concert recordings. The prizes, in chronological order:

7. Charles Mingus - Mingus AH UM (1958)
6. James Brown - The Apollo Theatre Presents (1962)
5. The Band - Music From Big Pink (1968)
4. Townes Van Zandt - Live at The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas (1973)
3. Alison Krauss & Union Station - Live (2002)
2. Bill Frisell - East/West (2002)
1. Cadence Weapon - Afterparty Babies (2008)

Can you tell I'm excited ??

Before I go to listen to all this great stuff, I have one question: did any substantial music get made in the 80's? Please leave recommendations-I must have been too busy making mudpies and cutting down trees with rusty license plates, because my only musical associations from that era are Tina Turner greatest hits, Cyndi Lauper, and CBC's Video Hits. In the words of Aretha Franklin, "Save me. Somebody save me."

Thoughts on food

While listening to this podcast about urban agriculture, I began wondering why our local food bank doesn't contract with local farmers to deliver fresh, nutritious, local produce (including meats) to local families in need.

It seems to me that this is a much healthier, environmentally friendly, sustainable and community-minded way to feed people. For the price of 6 boxes of Kraft Dinner or Hamburger Helper, you could buy a good chunk of REAL food from a farmer.

Why should they wait for donations (let's face it-people often give the items they least like to eat) of corporate food when we have any number of struggling farmers right here in the county. That seems silly to me.

Ok, ok, I get it!

What is left to cut?

Gold: It's What's for Breakfast

I have finally figured out why I didn't win 8 Olympic gold medals this year. It's because I can't eat a 5-egg omlette, 3 chocolate chips pancakes and 2 pieces of French toast for breakfast (and a partridge in a pear tree. . .). Apparently Michael Phelps drinks a bucket of Gatorade at every meal. The way I figure it, he must have a small army working to feed him. I can only imagine how loud his tummy must be when it growls. Probably that, too, would set a world record of some kind.


On the subject of medals, congratulations to Matt Clark, whose baseball team won bronze at this year's Canada cup. Not bad for a province of less than a million!

Holy subprime, Batman

If you're interested in the US financial situation, read this article. It's a lengthy interview with an economist at New York University who believes that the US "doesn't have a subprime mortgage system, it has a subprime financial system." Ouch.

The man behind Can-Lit

No, it's not Northrup Frye, though he is mentioned. And it's not Alice Munro either, who cites him as the single greatest champion of her career when she was an isolated suburban mother, writing perhaps one short story each year. Unbeknownst to me, Robert Weaver encouraged dozens of Canadian authors and poets at a time when the idea of "Canadian Literature" was, according to Margaret Atwood, not only unheard of, but "embarrassing." The podcast is the first in a series "Ideas" - the best program on CBC radio - is doing. Well worth a listen.

On the subject of encouragement, I'd like to dedicate this post to Dr. Jane McLean, English teacher at WHS. Congratulations on the PhD. and thanks for introducing me to the wonderful literature and poetry we have in Canada. And finally, here's Paul Wells on the need for a "Canadian canon" of concert music. Say that five times, fast.

Culture Coverage in NB - As elusive as the Eastern Cougar?

Holy Cow.

Today I read the following (Irving) publications: Bugle-Observer, HERE (Fredericton), Telegraph Journal. Out of 60+ pages, less than 5 articles contained significant coverage of NB artists and their work. One notable exception was a short feature of Kyle Cunjak, who (pardon the semi-pun) is a very talented jack of all trades. To be fair, the "Salon" section of the Telegraph contained decent local arts journalism, but it's only once a week.

Still, I think we could do much better, considering that one of those articles was merely a reprint of the press release sent out by this lovely little gallery . Check it out, it's worth seeing. But I refuse to accept the premise that weekly coverage is enough, or that "there's nothing going on." I think there are a lot wonderful artists quietly working away in rural studios, doing great work but receiving very little recognition.

New Brunswickers are not known for trumpeting our best and brightest, despite the fact that we've produced our fair share of nationally and internationally significant artists and thinkers: Northrup Frye, David Adams Richards, Peter & Beth Powning, Freeman Patterson, Millar Brittain, Measha Brueggergosman, Douglas Lochhead, John Peters Humphrey, Wendy Nielson, Lord Beaverbrook, Alden Nowlan, George Stanley.

Without these New Brunswickers, we might have lost WWII, had a totally different Canadian flag, have no UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have a totally different perspective on literary criticism, poetry, painting, craft and sculpture etc. etc. And those are only the anglophones-please excuse my ignorance of significant First Nations and Acadian people.

How are we supposed to know who comprises the next generation of artists and thinkers if they don't get any exposure? Sheesh.

Thus ends my rant for the evening. Hope you made it to the end-look up some of those names if you don't know them. And if this is getting to be a bit much for you, check out this little NB comic strip. We might not be mighty, but we know how to laugh at ourselves. I vote we elect this guy as our next Premier.

Still marching . . .

"I think goose stepping morons like yourself should try reading books instead of burning them."
Sean Connery, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Even our local paper has noticed the Harper government's contempt for artists. The consensus around our house this morning is that he is okay with Canada failing to win a single medal in Beijing, and he is okay with the rest of the world knowing absolutely nothing about Canada. What a shame. Then again, Harper thought Newfoundland joined confederation in 1867, so it sounds like he could use some serious education about our country. Even on the science front, Harper is criticized.

More cuts to arts and culture programs were announced this morning, on a Friday, when reporters are unlikely to cover the story. What I don't get is how this obviously business-oriented government fails to understand that exposing Canadian artists abroad brings money back into the country and draws tourists - who would like to have something interesting or unique to do while they're here. That would be like the New York City not funding Broadway because they find the language in Avenue Q objectionable.

One final question: So much of the debate on these issues - bill C-10, the PromArts program, the latest cuts, has been spun using people's supposed resistance to that nasty "F" word. What I want to know is: has Harper ever said 'it," and do his MP's get kicked out of caucus for using it? Does he hold his political strategists accountable for uttering it in meetings?

Somehow I doubt it.

Update: "General radical" Avi Lewis defends the PromArts program.

Going loopy

I will admit my bias up front here- I don't have a cellphone and hope I never do.  Yes, I realize this puts me at odds with many busy people who rely on their phone to 'stay connected.'  But I think this article makes some interesting points about how the phone can actually disconnect us from  what is happening in the moment.

Everyone reading this has probably experienced attempting a conversation with someone (a teenager, perhaps?) glued to their cellphone, droning "mm, right, I see" only to suddenly look up at you and declare they have no idea what you're talking about.  I think the question is "connected to whom?"  Is it a 'net loss' for the human race to communicate using only consonants and eight-word sentences?  

Harper's Artless Army Marches On

This week the federal government eliminated over 13 million dollars in arts funding, money that was doled out one plane ticket, one exhibition at a time, to promote Canada's image abroad. Apparently the US spends half a billion annually-is it any wonder the world can't tell us apart?

This government has been an utter disaster on the arts. Thinking about it depresses me-for a supposedly nationalist politician, Harper shows no interest in anything authentically Canadian.

He's too busy thinking about how to eliminate equality challenges under the Charter, win votes in Quebec, and destroy the environment. And please note, I am not politically affiliated, this just makes me crazy...

Something in the Water

I am pleased to note that 3 out of 5 acts nominated for CBC's "Galaxie Rising Star" award are connected to Carleton County/Western NB. Excellent work, gentlemen. Must be all those potatoes . . . Check out the nominees - the prize is 1500$ cash and a performance at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Fest in Fredericton this fall.

Good genes?

Interview with Marie-Monique Robin, who just finished making a documentary about Monsanto. You might remember Monsanto from such experiements as PCB's and Agent Orange. Now they provide 90% of the world's genetically modified crops, which they claim is safe for human consumption and the environment.

As Dr. Vandana Shiva notes in the opener, food is the best way to control populations. Learn about the company that controls a large portion of what you eat, and what's floating in the air you breathe.

The doc is "The World According to Monsanto" and the bigwigs there refused to be interviewed for the film. Must be good. . .

And, in unrelated news, here's a tasty column from the Telegraph, pointing out Shawn Graham's lack of a mandate, and his willingness to enact changes not discussed in an election.

Battle of the Kent County premiers.

What is all this hullabaloo?

The local.

The global.

The past.

Those to come?

Happy NB Day

Read this article about Nebraska "public power." If people living in cow country can get ahead for the future, why can't we?