On the second floor of our big and beautiful student center, there used to be an art museum. It was such an amazing place to go during a busy day, to wander among works of art, in a silent room, to think and contemplate beautiful objects. It was the place to meditate, recharge one’s batteries, and experience tranquility and beauty.
So I went to the museum to have a quiet moment and discovered, to my absolute horror, that there is no museum any longer. It has been closed down and a junk food convenience store has been put in its place. Because apparently the other 6 places on campus (including in this very building) that sell the same kind of junk are not enough.
I’m sure we will soon see a DVD rental and an arcade where the library used to be.
Seriously, folks, the shock I experienced when I saw the candy bar and soda aisles where artwork used to be was really bad.
Clarissa's Blog 
Damn. I hope it has just been relocated somewhere else.
LikeLike
No, it turns out we don’t have money for the museum. I’m too angry for words. First, we lost the post-office, now the museum, then books will disappear. And all under the guise of fiscal responsibility.
LikeLike
Crap. There was a lovely international calligraphy exposition there about 8 years ago – the first time I visited it for something other than theater.
Why do legislators and voters presume that football is essential and art is trivial? And these are generally the same people who consider religion essential – but who have NO liturgy worth having, who use sappy “praise music” and pseudo-rock, who hold services in barren spaces that look like football stadiums, not because they can’t afford to put up some religious art, but because they can’t stand art, but they feel comfortable in stadiums.
LikeLike
Art recharges your soul. Art offers you the possibility to think your own thoughts even if you’re just reacting to it. Quiet public spaces can be appreciated by introverts.
On the other hand, team sports are about conformity and loud, mindless extroversion. Junk food stores well, keeps well, and is eaten by people who do not have time or wherewithal for proper meals or rest. You will never catch the CEO of McDonald’s eating the food of McDonald’s.
A “place to meditate, place to meditate, recharge one’s batteries, and experience tranquility and beauty” is considered the province of elites, not plebians like students and visitors. If you don’t believe me look at which high schools still have art programs and which have eliminated them a long time ago. Look at which schools have greenery around their grounds and which are just blocks of concrete.
LikeLike
“A “place to meditate, place to meditate, recharge one’s batteries, and experience tranquility and beauty” is considered the province of elites, not plebians like students and visitors.”
– Exactly. You are so right. And this is just tragic. It was one small room on a large campus. Did it have to be destroyed? Of course, I’m just talking to myself here.
LikeLike
Clarissa, sorry, feel free to edit out the first word of post above.
LikeLike
Sad. I just don’t understand this country.
LikeLike