VALUE
But let us imagine a few important things: If we envision our value as a radical and empowered group, we have the tools to picture a different future. (Remember there have been moments as black as this historically - the McCarthy era for one - where people felt their voices shut down).
I teach at a school where inspired projects abound: one student is critiquing the labor practices of the clothing industry through the participation of local knitting clubs; another is tracking community re-use of the empty big boxes of defunct Wal-Marts and Kmarts; another is making a documentary collecting personal stories of women who have had abortions; another has become a reverend and is offering televised mass-marriage ceremonies to gays; another transgender artist has created an insurgent organization whose mission is to alter the gender biases of public spaces. And that s just a sampling. (See www.arts.rpi.edu for more.)
On November 3, the night after the presidential election, there was a benefit screening of the film The Yes Men at a movie theater in Albany, New York. The film tracks the Yes Men as they pose as representatives of the WTO and critique its practices. The pranks of the Yes Men are based on a satirical trickery meant to provoke and instigate reaction. They have "have impersonated some of the world's most powerful criminals at conferences, on the web, and on television, in order to correct their identities."
Yes Men Andy and Mike were present and spoke after the screening. It was a difficult night for all, and the mood was somber. During the question-and-answer period, it was clear that Andy was having some doubts about the efficacy of satire. He spoke about how he and other Yes Men had abandoned their last project, "Yes, Bush Can!", to instead canvass Florida voters during the last weeks prior to the election. Fatigued and demoralized, Andy advocated for the sincere development of a progressive movement in lieu of pranks. I would argue that a variety of strategies are essential to avoid the polarizing divisiveness of the left. We need not stratify our approaches. We need to proceed by every means possible - but proceed! Yes, we can!
Speaking as a seer: In the next four years, I see the development of community as the highest priority; also, the telling and retelling of histories and reminders of past successes and innovations (See Experimental Television Center's Video History Project ). Networking can take place through wireless connections, pirate radio broadcasts, and streaming video of art, actions, and organizing (See Critical Mass Radio ). I also see the development of open source coding to ensure we can all share resources and keep up with the latest developments (See InterSpace Media Arts Center). This is evidence of movement and momentum already in place.
I call for an ongoing exchange between generations and diverse groups to remember history and reinvent approaches for transformation. I remain an artist because I am interested in provoking change and exchange. Meet with friends, colleagues, mentors, and continue to organize! Every action will count!
KATHY HIGH is a media artist, curator, and teacher living and working in upstate New York and Brooklyn. She is chair of the Arts Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and editor of FELIX: A Journal of Media Arts and Communication.
