In Poetry Land there’s a myth that art is tainted by popularity: the more eyes see it, the more corrupt it becomes. Said myth is outdated and nonsensical, but survives because it’s a nice stunt double for artistic integrity. It’s also great for cognitive dissonance: if no one’s reading poetry, it helps to think we never wanted them to. AND it justifies our laziness in connecting with non-poets. Hooray! But um… The myth is rank, you guys. It creates disdain for the public, shames us for our desires to communicate, and imprisons us in Insular Poetry Land… Pop music has an audience in part because it wants one. It appreciates, respects, and engages the public. We should, too.
Why poetry can’t find its public and what it can learn from pop culture.
Also see Greil Marcus on why the division between “high” and “low” art is toxic for culture, James Dickey on how to enjoy poetry, and Coleridge on what a poem is.
(↬ The Dish)
