BigDBigW recently wrote a blog about Bathroom stall art at his old job vs. his current job, and it got me thinking...
   According to BigDBigW, the lower-paid employees were by far the more artistic. Sure, getting to management SHOULD take some creative thinking and artistic integrity, but it generally doesn't, anymore. In fact, in my experience, management frowns upon artistic license or talent. I believe this is because when someone with obvious talent comes along and attempts to use that talent in a manner that could affect business positively, they are seen as a threat to the Status Quo.
   I had a job a few years ago in Seattle. I was a Facilities Manager in a colocation center. The CEO of the company was (and still is) an old friend of mine. He is probably the most intelligent person I have ever met. His genius is a little bit intimidating.
   He used to be a musician. He was very, very good at what he did.
   But when he got into this business, he quit music completely. He no longer performs, and to my knowledge, he doesn't even practice or play for fun anymore. He claims that he just doesn't have time, because of his family and the demands of the job.
   I contend that if he were to practice a couple hours a week, he would find his business running more smoothly, and his interactions with employees becoming less hostile and more agreeable.
   This example is a microcosm. The way I see it, too many people have become too obsessed with earning as much money as they possibly can, and because of that process, they are helping to kill the arts.
   It is widely known that students who study music theory and participate in a musical endeavor at school out-perform students who do not study music, in math and the sciences.
   But now, students are being pushed to utilize whatever non-artistic skills they have to make themselves as much money as possible.  Sports trump all. And though I enjoy sporting events as much as the next guy, I have to ask- Does a Football game have the same impact on the viewers as a great piece of live music? I don't believe it does. But music (and the arts in general) makes less money every year.
   The only way to make a living as a musician these days is to gig as much as possible, Nobody buys music anymore. (And no, I am not talking about Superstars. I NEVER talk about Superstars. I hate Pop Music, and if you counter this with "Justin Timberlake still sells records", you are an idiot.)
   Is it possible that Corporate Greed is actually playing a part in killing the arts? I believe it is.
   Where the fuck is Bukowski when you need him?