Insight Paper: Why the arts should matter?

The field of humanities, arts, and social sciences are sometimes ignored in
the present society. This can be observed not just in the Philippine society but all
over the world. The author of the article “Why the arts should matter” was written
by Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. and here, the author delves into the observed idea of neglection
of arts and humanities. The author questions a lot of topics while advocating and
promoting the role of arts and humanities in our community.

Innovation is a very important part of our lives, and this can be observed
mainly in the field of science and technology. However, it should not be ignored that
innovation is not just for science and technology but also for different forms of arts
and field of humanities. The mindset of a lot of people in the present is that science
and technology is superior compared to the arts.

The author based some of the reasons on personal experiences wherein

there was an emphasis on the significance of relating artistic judgements to political,
social, and economic realities and rooting artistic endeavors in a rationalist
perspective. Reflecting on this, it is indeed important to decide on different areas
like politics and economics not just on a rational basis but also on an artistic point
of view. This is because being rational doesn’t always mean It is the best possible
decision or outcome. With the help of being artistic, there is an opening for other
possible outcomes that may be better.

Covering or governing a society or country needs a proper government to

govern it for the people to have a better life. It was also added by the author in the
article that humanities enable a society to govern itself wisely and well. Humanities
covers the appreciation of human values and self-expression. A person with good
values, knows proper self-expression and has a good vision of the future would be
more likely to govern a society better than someone who is not. It is also important
to note that not all problems in the society can be solved by scientific research, but
some can be solved by thinking or viewing some things in an artistic way. This will
be covered mainly by the area of humanities and social sciences.

It was mentioned that our society have left the national policy to politicians,
priests, lawyers, and soldiers of our country where it should not be just them.
Scientists, engineers, or other professions related to science and technology have
had little say on the running of the country. And for artists, it is way more less.
What’s sad is that by quoting the author, “We may canonize our boxing champions
and beauty queens—and even elect them senator—while our National Scientists
and National Artists languish in obscurity and indifference”. It is true and at the
same time sad since we know that scientists and artists alike have their own point
of view that is of importance and can help run the country.

There is also a lack of knowledge given to people when it comes to the

national economy. A lot are aware of national things like national food, sports, and
other things, but are not aware of the statistics related to our society like Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and why does it matter. I agree on what the author say that
we have much to do by way of cultural education.

People underestimate the arts, and this can be observed easily by

underpaying people working the art industry saying that what they do is nonsense
or too easy as a profession. This is one of the things observed why I said that people
think science and technology is ahead of arts as a profession. However, it was
presented in the article that arts are called as “creative industries” and these
industries that includes advertising, filming, design, literature, music, etc. helped
improve the economy of some well-known countries like US, UK, and China.
Statistics were presented to show that these industry help develop or improve the
GDP of our country which shows that arts do indeed have a great contribution in
economical terms but despite all this there is a lack of funding, support, and
prioritization due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The arts, humanities and social science is an emerging force that has the
potential to shape the economic, and even politic issues of a nation or a society. It
is also important to let the people know that the arts is not merely a frivolous
pursuit but is a strategic, worthy profitable investment.