What comes to mind when you think of the term "Soul Food"? For me, it is what awakens the soul's sense of touch. Art; Expression through different forms of art. When I speak of art, I am including natural beauty.
One form of expression that has really made its mark, is music, the language everyone understands. Literature, fine art, music and theater; food for my soul. "Art is something only those with a comfortable lifestyle can appreciate," is a common argument. "What does the hungry man care about music?" Is that not a reductionist argument? Physical needs and spiritual needs are completely different. Does the poor or hungry man not pray; why then can he not enjoy beauty of this kind?
The Pakistan People's Party understood this need, and the power of art; they made songs representing their party, which were catchy, motivational, and easily available; a very smart move in my opinion. Is there even one person who hasn't heard a PPP song?
The sad truth, is that art has become commercial; it is not that the poor man cannot appreciate art, it is that art has now become a luxury that only the upper middle class or above can afford. So when you see a man playing music on Abdullah Shah Gazi, applaud him, reward him; it is people like that who keep the soul of artistic expression alive.
No comments:
Post a Comment