The Struggle of Creativity: Why Society must rethink its perception of the Arts – Selassie Yao writes

In many parts of the world, especially in our country, a major challenge faced by creatives stems from home; the very foundation of societal values. The perception of the arts as a secondary or “less serious” career path has long hindered the industry’s growth. Unlike fields such as medicine, law, or finance, creative careers are often dismissed as hobbies, temporary pursuits, or fallback options for those who “didn’t do well” academically.

This bias starts early. A junior high school student who excels in academics and expresses an interest in the arts is often met with resistance. Parents and teachers quickly push them towards science or business, reinforcing the flawed idea that intelligence and artistic talent cannot coexist. The phrase, “You’re too smart to do arts,” is commonly heard. But who decided that intelligence is not required to be an artist?

*The Genius of the Arts*

Throughout history, some of the most brilliant minds have been artists. Leonardo da Vinci, a master painter, was also an engineer and scientist. Michelangelo was a sculptor and architect whose work still inspires the world. Pablo Picasso revolutionized modern art with his innovative thinking. Even in contemporary times, visionaries like Steve Jobs blended art and technology to change the world. These examples prove that creativity is not separate from intelligence; it is a form of intelligence.

Yet, in our society, fields such as visual arts, technical studies, and home economics are often labeled as the choice for those who are “not too serious” or “not intelligent enough” for other professions. Film schools and art colleges are filled with students who, in many cases, ended up there not out of passion but because they did not meet the grade requirements for other courses. This misplacement further fuels the misconception that the arts are a last resort rather than a first choice for those with talent and vision.

*The Ripple Effect on the Creative Industry*

This mentality does not just affect students; it impacts the entire creative industry. When those who once dismissed the arts as unserious pursuits rise to positions of power in banks, politics, or corporate institutions, they carry that same bias. Imagine a filmmaker seeking funding for a movie. If the bank manager reviewing the proposal grew up believing that artists are not serious people, how likely is he to approve the loan?

This is the cycle we find ourselves in. The same people who question why we don’t produce high-quality films, innovative advertising, or globally competitive creative content are the ones who, in their youth, discouraged intelligent individuals from pursuing the arts. They redirected potential game-changers into banking, medicine, and politics, leaving the creative industry with fewer resources, less support, and limited room for growth.

*Change Begins at Home*

If we want to see real progress, the change must start from within our homes, schools, and communities. Parents must recognize that a child passionate about music, painting, filmmaking, or fashion design is not wasting their potential—they are channeling it in a different direction. Schools must stop ranking the arts as inferior to science and business. The government and financial institutions must invest in creative industries with the same seriousness as they do in traditional sectors.

Creativity drives culture, shapes society, and fuels innovation. Until we change our attitude toward the arts, we will continue to hold back an industry that has the power to transform economies and put our nation on the global map. It is time to break the cycle and give the arts the respect and recognition it truly deserves.

(Story: Selassie Yao — YOLO TV Series)