Abortion Art – a new way of expressing oneself – or pushing the boundaries beyond “repair”?

Ulf Ekman told us on his blog that “the battle for the right of unborn children needs to continue and that we should not get tired of engaging us. We cannot allow indifference, cynicism, mockery or anger stop us from defending the most unprotected persons in our nation” (world –added by me).

I came across an article in last weeks Yale Daily News where I found stated:

Beginning next Tuesday (tomorrow) , Aliza Shvarts will be displaying her senior art project, a documentation of a nine-month process during which she artificially inseminated herself “as often as possible” while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. Her exhibition will feature video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process.

The goal in creating the art exhibition, Shvarts said, was to spark conversation and debate on the relationship between art and the human body. But her project has already provoked more than just debate, inciting, for instance, outcry at a forum for fellow senior art majors held last week. And when told about Shvarts’ project, students on both ends of the abortion debate have expressed shock — saying the project does everything from violate moral code to trivialize abortion.

But Shvarts insists her concept was not designed for “shock value.”

“I hope it inspires some sort of discourse,” Shvarts said. “Sure, some people will be upset with the message and will not agree with it, but it’s not the intention of the piece to scandalize anyone.”

The New York Times picked up the story and is still puzzled about it… Although Yale Daily News retracted the story in their Friday issue Aliza Shvarts is still ambivalent about her intentions.

Whether or not it is true, (and I really hope it is not!) the sheer thought of using the unborn children as a tool to manipulate the media, opinions and the Arts is yet another example of the depravity of humankind without God. How deep have we fallen?

John

Blogging; it’s all about stress, self-esteem, mammon and identity.

Svenska Dagbladet caught quickly the latest news in the technological blog world about how blogging leads to stress and can end up in death. The New York Times technology edition addressed blogging, and the blogging lifestyle as a potential dangerous activity. A couple of people died most probably as a direct result from their intensive lifestyle. Svenskan conclude their analysis with some clear pointers addressing how the world of blogging is actually a high risk phenomenon.

The constant flow of information, the need to always be on top of things and the sheer (financial) value of being first out on the internet with the latest issues creates an inhuman environment which deteriorate life quality to the max.

The blog world and people’s response to it is in a way attractive; some makes the big bucks (maybe tens of thousands of blogger make their living this way) – they are driven by the money. One minute can make the difference between a so-so pay of a coupe of dollars or fixing your rent for the month.

The most famous Swedish blogger is found in Stockholm (where I am located) her blog is called Blondinbella, She is a 17 year old girl describing her life in the city of Stockholm. I am happy that she has experienced a breakthrough in the world of blogging. However, I wonder how her life will develop under the pressure of having to deliver and produce thoughts, ideas, experiences, articles and somehow function as a role model for other young girls whom devour her blogs. The media is on top of things and does everything possible to market this young woman.

My hope (and prayer) is that she won’t be appeased by the attention she is getting and that she will not loose herself in the midst of it. Because that’s another side to the story; let’s be honest; it is also about self-esteem and identity!

Too many of us “out there” look for confirmation, affirmation, and identity. (By the way, I am only a beginner and do not have the ambition to become “a someone” in the blog-.world, although I hope that my thoughts and ideas might somehow create spin-offs leading people to think about the purpose of life).

Just imagine how wonderful it must be to be acknowledged, seen, quoted and admired for all those who might have inner struggles with questions about their purpose of life, their identity and self-esteem. I am afraid that for many it will become yet another disappointment and illusion of yet other scatted dreams. It might become the drug and create co-dependency in a world where many are looking for thrills in their lives to find some satisfaction.

So, as I finish my blogging today, I remind you to be careful out there… don’t let a world of illusion rob you from your peace, rest and true identity. You’re loved for who you are… not for what you produce!

Hope to hear from you!

John