Should Artists Speak Out on Political or Controversial Topics? | Munazza Bangash

When I was young, I remember seeing my dad watch the news every single day. It’d bore me, and right there and then, I made a decision. Like many kids do, I decided never to be the adult who’d fill her days with news of the world.

And then I grew up and started following the journey of a political leader who I was sure would make history. I vowed never to feel shattered over a public figure, but all hopes were lost when it came to him. My belief in his loyalty toward my country was unwavering. And even though I didn’t know him personally, I cried like a baby when he was dealt a rough hand. Safe to say, I had become my father, and I had let the world news affect me.

Then I saw things far worse. The world fell apart. Things we’d been reading in dystopian novels became a reality. We saw the controversies becoming a reality. We all realized first hand how utterly helpless we were. We could do nothing against the injustice happening in the world.

We raised our voices. We got things banned. People told us, “This doesn’t work.” But we knew it was better than doing nothing at all. Because, yes, maybe it wouldn’t work. Maybe all of the social media posts and the bans and the raising of voices were all in vain… But the silence would’ve eaten us all alive.

With the rise of social media, we’ve been getting exposed to the horrors of the world. We tend to think that all these horrific things are happening in our age only. Nevertheless, these have been prevalent for as long as humans have walked the Earth. The only difference is that the news often didn’t reach every corner of the world before.

And I get it. It gets overwhelming. There was a time when I actively scrolled past reels that showed oppression or cruelty of any kind. I’d never switch on news channels. I’d walk out of conversations discussing these topics. Because it was disturbing and tiring. My heart couldn’t handle the realization that I was, in fact, nothing and had no influence or power over anything. And that kind of helplessness leaves you… changed.

But it wasn’t just this. With social media, the cancel culture took root. Somehow, public disgrace was frowned upon but also normalized if it was on social media. Which, in some ways, worked for the best, but with time, it got out of hand. People were canceled on mere accusations without them having the right to explain themselves.

It planted a fear in me. I had much to talk about, many opinions I kept buried in me that I wanted to say, but with the acceptance of being helpless at the injustices of the world and the fear of being looked at the wrong way kept my mouth zipped up.

And then I realized… I was an artist. I had a pen, and that gave me a voice. A platform.

I often question if artists should engage in controversies. I wonder if it can harm their career. Does it even make a difference? And what I’ve understood over time is that being an artist is a form of rebellion. It gives you a voice, something that solely belongs to you. Your art influences people. It moves them. And so, I believe, using your art to bring attention to issues is far more effective than screaming about it. Not to say screaming doesn’t work.

But does it?

I am unsure if an artist should publicly engage in controversies. However, I believe the best way to really put your point across is through art. I am a writer. I feel grateful that I can pen down my thoughts. I am able to get my point across through my books, blog posts, and social media content.

But most of all, my books.

I don’t think I have a voice strong enough to make a change as me. Not through my social media content nor through my blog posts, because that’s still me talking. But through my books, I feel like I can change perspectives. I can use words to convince and bring attention to areas where all eyes should be. Through a fictional world or a single quote, I have the power to make the reader go, “Oh…” Whatever it may be, I believe, as an artist and through my words, I have the outlet to shift mindsets.

Not just the fact that I can, but that I have a responsibility toward my readers. Because I do want them to leave my book inspired and changed, and if that happens, I’d consider myself blessed.

What do you think? Should artists engage in controversies publicly?

I don’t mean to say that they should never speak up about anything, but isn’t losing the audience counterproductive? If your audience consists of people who agree with you (through your public display of opinions), then putting your point across through art makes no difference. You’ve already lost the ones who’s mind you needed to change.

Let me know in the comments. What is your take on this?

See you in the next one.