The author reflects on how American society has a tendency to confuse art with moral instruction, leading to a culture defined by rigidity, knee-jerk judgments, and incuriosity. This inclination is exemplified by a recent social media account dedicated to collecting angry reader reviews that demonstrate a profound and dangerous merging of art with moral values. The author suggests that this confusion may stem from a societal need for moral simplicity in a time when political discourse is deranged and abhorrent, leading to a desire for stories that clearly illustrate good and evil.
The author recalls a 1950s novel, “The Sea and Poison,” by Shusaku Endo, which explores the humanity of perpetrators of atrocities rather than focusing on the suffering of victims. This perspective has haunted the author for nearly two decades, highlighting how individuals can delude themselves into making choices that result in atrocities. The prevalence of American morality, influenced by an Old Testament relationship to good and evil, infuses everything from advertising campaigns to political discourse, ultimately shaping the function of artistic works.
The author discusses the impact of American morality on younger writers, who prioritize righteousness over complexity in their work. Feedback sessions often focus on identifying insensitive characters and fixing moral issues within the piece, rather than embracing the complexity of characters and their values. The author suggests that this shift towards moral instruction in art has led to a simplification of stories that are less nuanced and less able to engage with the complexities of the world we live in.
The author shares experiences of working in TV writers’ rooms where complex characters, particularly female ones, were often subjected to “likability notes” that focused on their morals. Industry gatekeepers, influenced by societal expectations of moral clarity in art, often strip stories of anything that could be ethically murky. Ultimately, American art is tied to the marketplace, with corporations seeking material that aligns with clear moral lessons and does not unsettle their customer base.
The author argues that art offers valuable insights into our hidden capacities, social contracts, and contradictions, and should not serve solely as moral instruction manuals. Instead, art should allow audiences to glimpse the complexities of the world and explore paradoxes, rather than seeking easy clarity or judgment. In a culture defined by rigidity and division, art plays a crucial role in fostering curiosity, investigation, and acceptance of uncertainties, ultimately helping us navigate a world that is fluid and changeable.
In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of narratives that reflect the complexity of our world and challenge simplistic moral frameworks. By cultivating audiences who appreciate art for its ability to investigate, question, and hold multiple uncertainties, we can move towards a culture defined by curiosity, exploration, and openness. In a society marked by condemnation and isolation, art has a vital role to play in fostering understanding and connection.
