Changing the world

[Neville Briggs]

From time to time, some of our members post verse on issues that they think should get attention to drive or influence social change. Maureen did one on the treatment of stray dogs, Bob did one on Brimblebox birds. There have been a couple about evil violence and intolerance.

I'm not disparaging anyone's efforts. It just reminded me of the question; can art, can poetry change the world. If we protest in verse will anyone listen, will anyone act differently.
I don't have the answer, but I suspect that in Australia it is a firm no.

Poetry and art, in Australia are mainly relegated to the category of irrelevance to the real world where the economy, structure development and utilitarianism hold sway of the hearts and minds.
( art has a slight foothold in an economic niche )

There are countries where poets have been goaled. China and Iran I think are examples. It seems that poetry in those places can affect the status quo.

Perhaps we will rejoice in the impact of poetry, in the day that in Australia, poets get arrested for their poetry. That's a hard one. do we want to go there.

[Maureen K Clifford]

If they've got efficient air conditioning and cold drinks I so do Right now

[Neville Briggs]

What's the matter Maureen, you've had some good rain.

In your online mag you included this month one by Henry Lawson called The Women of the Town. Did Henry manage any impact on exploitation of women. And did The Faces in The Street inspire a socialist revolutionary movement. Also you had Mary Gilmore's War tragedy and Kath Walker's hope for a " glad tomorrow". Just words. I suppose that's how it must be.

[Bob Pacey]

Well it must Neville because my Phantom poem has got results from our local Bulletin. The Man Who Cannot Die will return.


Bob

[Neville Briggs]

Nah I know he does die, it's a different one each time.

[Stephen Whiteside]

A few novels spring to mind as having been very influential in bringing about social change.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (Mark Twain) and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (Harriet Beecher Stowe) played a large role in ending Negro slavery in the U.S.

"Billy Budd" (Herman Melville) brought about a change in U.S. Navy disciplinary procedures.

Charles Dickens' novels had a huge effect on British social iniquity.

Australia? That's certainly tougher. I would argue that "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke" helped to reduce class differences in Australia. I have no doubt that Henry Lawson also played a huge role in this regard.

"They're A Weird Mob" helped to break down negative attitudes to European migrants.

I expect the film "Jedda" by Charles Chauvel helped to change attitudes to Aborigines.

Relatively recent Australian poetry? Even tougher. Try the Aboriginal poet Kevin Gilbert. Of course, Aboriginal musicians and bands have achieved a huge amount - Archie Roach, Kev Carmody, Warumpi Band, Yothu Yindi.

The list goes on and on and on…and on.

[Heather]

I guess there was a time when we thought that cartoons wouldn't change attitudes or the world either. Maybe, if circumstances were right and ripe, a poem might too.

No one would attend the Man From Snowy River Festival if it weren't for a poem.

From little things big things grow - occasionally.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Good point, Heather.

[Maureen K Clifford]

If we never never go, we never never know - I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing.
Simon Wiesenthal

[Bob Pacey]

Ok ok Maureen I'm doing it

Bob