The political discussions within this chapter brought my thoughts to the current political conversations in the U.S. with the election. I automatically thought about the wide spread hate that is seeping through the news and scaring much of my student population. There have been discussions amongst students and teachers about what appears to be this acceptance that it is now okay to display and express hate since Trump’s election. Then I thought of my own personal negative events that are occurring. I agree with Weschler. I think his statement is right. That:
…. in times of storm, we mustn’t allow the storm to enter ourselves; rather we have to find peace inside ourselves and then breathe it out (pg. 17- 18).
It is in times of turmoil and negativity that turning to things that bring us peace are important. Art has always been a way to bring peace, but also a format where individuals can make sense of negative circumstance.
Weschler mentions that Vermeer’s work portrays peacefulness because he was dealing with external violent factors such as war. That his paintings appear peaceful because he was painting them to bring himself to such a state of mind. Whether it is something political, something personal, or something to represent for a specific group, art has always been a source of reassurance; it offers a voice, an escape, or a form of communication to formulate thoughts for understanding. I think this is what is important to not only teach, but remember as an artist and teacher; what art allows and alleviates.