Activist Artistes

Art - whether it is music, writing or other performing arts - requires long hours of practice, focus and dedication.  This is the reason why many artistes despite having strong views on anything do not resort to public activism - it is an energy and time killer, and distracts one from reaching higher levels in their chosen art. 

Artistes who have taken to activism (and I can immediately think of a famous writer, and an actress) have done so when they had already plateaued in their art. Maybe it is their way of staying in their limelight.  But the fact is they never again returned to their peak in their chosen art once they got distracted into activism.

One loves not just the art- but also the artiste behind the art.  There is a certain purity, dignity and sanctity expected from performing arts and performing artistes.  I certainly respect the right of artistes to be public activists and say whatever they want - it is their right.  But I will avoid attending a music concert if there is even a remote doubt in my mind whether the performance on stage could be inadvertently tainted by the shadow of activism.