Around the turn of the 20th century, revolutionary movements in Russia began using prints and posters to promote communism and the Bolshevik Revolution. Some of these works carried messages of class warfare, violence and hatred toward capitalists and wealthy people. Their purpose was to inspire revolution, sometimes through bloodshed.
But should such hateful propaganda be considered fine art?
Art historians recognize many of these works for their innovative use of lithography, graphic design and mass-produced imagery. Although lithography had been invented much earlier, revolutionary artists helped demonstrate its power as a political communication tool. In other words, even if the message was hateful, the artistic techniques could still be appreciated.
This raises an interesting question: Can art be good even when its message is bad?
When I began promoting mental health awareness through my art, books and music, my message was simple: Nobody should be harassed, humiliated or discriminated against for seeking mental health treatment.
I never imagined the hostility and opposition I would encounter along the way.
Over the years, I've been criticized or attacked by individuals identifying with feminist movements, gay communities, Alcoholics Anonymous, religious organizations, members of various political groups even fellow artists. In most cases, I hadn't even taken a position against their beliefs or causes.
Usually, I simply create my artwork and let the discussions develop from there. Art is supposed to encourage conversation, disagreement and sometimes controversy. But there is a difference between criticizing an idea and attacking the person who expresses it.
What troubles me most is that people living with mental illness, especially those who actively seek treatment, continue to face shame, ridicule and discrimination. Seeking professional help should be recognized as a responsible decision, not a reason for harassment and discrimination.
I don't believe art needs to be agreeable to everyone. Some of history's greatest artists have challenged society, offended audiences and questioned established beliefs. But I also believe there is a difference between art that challenges hatred and art that encourages it.
Art can be angry without being hateful. It can be controversial without being cruel. And it can confront discrimination without promoting violence.
As for those who are offended by my mental health awareness campaign, perhaps my message simply isn't intended for you.
It's intended for the many people who appreciate my work, recognize themselves in my stories and understand what it means to be judged for something others don't understand.
I will continue creating art, writing books and making music about my experiences. Not everyone has to agree with me, and not everyone has to like my work.
But I will continue asking the question: When will discrimination, shame and hatred toward people living with mental illness finally come to an end?
Perhaps that is one of the most important purposes of art: not to spread hatred, but to help us understand one another.
by Dan and Bonkers
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