The Sting in the Tail

I count myself fortunate that I know a lot of people generally classified as creative. I think classification is important because without it most everybody, excluding Hamilton residents, could and should be called creative. However, let’s for the point of argument deal with actors, writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and advertising people, and exclude those who—either through choice of career or simple lack of interest—do not see themselves as being creative.

The thing about creative people is that often their greatest “creation” is themselves. Not everybody, of course; but I suggest a heavy percentage of creatives put a great deal of effort into building mystique around themselves and the creative process. So much effort in fact, that some make it seem effortless: Hemmingway is an example. But the fact that creatives need to feel different and act different is unfortunate. They would make a far greater contribution to society and probably be more liked if they acknowledged that, whilst they may be more “gifted” than others in some areas, the person in the next aisle has gifts of her own. Their gifts will be different and perhaps not as ethereal, but they are still gifts—and should be honoured as such. So, my point –and I know you were wondering if there was one—is that in weaving the rich tapestry of life we are all weavers, we are all making contributions and even those whom society deems worthless have some worth, unless of course you are Mike Pence.