Controversies in Philanthropy: FSSO 119-100 Fall 2021

2 Cultural/Societal Benifits

Culture is an inherent facet of any true society. Regardless of when or where a society emerged, it is bound to contain some form of human expression. Such culture is generally expressed through means of art, a powerful tool used to symbolize a civilization's prosperity, values, and beliefs. Art has been an integral part of humanity since the birth of mankind and is still embedded in the roots of any existing society. 

One might ask, why do the arts matter? As the world transitions to a more productivity-oriented environment, arts and culture diminish in importance compared to the other elements of society. However, the arts bring unique benefits that no other element can provide. First of all, the arts give an identity to a society. As humans, we tend to try to derive the meanings of things we do not understand in an attempt to cultivate a deeper comprehension. That is simply human nature. Identifying a society allows us to understand it better. Along with providing an identity, art also gives us the ability to connect with others on a humanistic level. This is especially important for the well-being of a civilization as art evokes dynamic emotions that heavily influence the state of mind.

Unfortunately, as mentioned previously, some of modern society is beginning to lose its grip on its traditional ways. This is saddening to see considering how important art is to culture and the social environment. 

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