B.E. Stout

One of the worst issues of our time is that we only validate artists if they earn a living at their art. We've reduced meaningful artistic careers to gig rubble. Almost no writers can earn a living at their craft- which the strike is illustrating in full force. Our mental health is on the line. It feels personal. It's a symptom of capitalism, but it doesn't feel that way when you get a call from your family who wants to know when you'll get a real job. Or you're a pro, embarrassed at how long it's been since you worked. We have created a society where ONLY the elite artists can earn a living. But art, and writing, is a function of the soul. It's a calling. It's deeply wounding and unfair to demand that every writer work 3 jobs to get by. There's no more time for art. There's no more energy for passionate expression. To give. If failing feels personal to you (it does to all of us), just remember it's a symptom of a sick society. The disease that commodifies art and reduces people to widgets, while companies and executives enrich themselves on the backs of hard working people who are terrified they won't survive day to day or be able to feed their kids. Everywhere the world is saying: you don't matter. So today we stand together and do the one thing we can do: withhold our gifts from a system that doesn't value them. Stand strong. Stand together. We're standing for ourselves, and for the future we want our kids to inhabit. For the importance of earning a living wage at what we love. For just compensation! Make sure you take time for self care. This is a big rupture, and possibly a long fight. Don't isolate. Find the others. Use your voice. Reach out. I BELIEVE IN A WORLD WITH WRITERS AND ARTISTS AT THE HEART.