Reflections On "Cups Of Tea", Opinions & Shades

Brewing Thoughts on Art, Activism, and Being Outspoken

Confession: Coffee is not my cup of tea. Literally and figuratively.

Tea, preferably iced tea in a big, tall glass, is my cup of tea.
Love cafes and coffee shops, but I always order tea.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about art, the art of expressing opinions, the activism that can often come with it, and the various shades and strengths of the “tea” (aka “truth”) you choose to brew.

Artists, like brewmasters, concoct their opinions, steep them in experiences, and present them to the world. It's a delicate process, much like brewing the perfect cup of tea – an art form that requires heat and patience. An art not everyone is going to enjoy or like.

Just as your beverage choice is personal, so is the choice of whether to share it (or anything) publicly. Sharing personal opinions comes with its own set of challenges and risks.

Many, including other creatives, wish we would just be quiet and make like we’re all “sugar and spice and everything nice”. The fact is most of us, depending on the day, can also be “sage and hood and wish a mfer would.” Human.

“I wouldn’t even say “Imagine” is political. I think it’s more just sort of declaration of humanity. I don’t find his political songs to be the ones that I go home and listen to. And I would say that of any artist. They’re not the ones that interest.”
Sean Lennon

Sean, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, likely felt that way when he was originally quoted. I wonder if still agrees today, if he has a deeper understanding of who his dad was and what he believed in.

In my opinion, “Imagine” is both political AND a declaration of humanity. Not all work can or needs to be more than it is. It’s often a time capsule of facts, fictions, opinions, and point-of-views mixed with talent and technique.

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
Cesar A. Cruz

I’m not a big fan of “shoulds” but I agree with and like the sentiment. We live in a world with so much information it’s often hard to figure out what we stand for and where we stand. So through our creative work, many of us can digest some of that information and make something new out of it.

Some artists become activists in the process, straddling a fine line between creating discomfort to evoke change and offering solace to those who need it.

“Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction."
Pablo Picasso

Creativity is a rebellious act, a defiance against conformity and the status quo. This defiance is designed to change if not destroy. In the context of opinions and activism, its goal is to break down the barriers that stifle progress and change.

Yet, as artists and activists navigate this terrain, they encounter naysayers – the critics and keyboard warriors who question every choice and preference, including something as insignificant as like tea more than coffee.

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
Vincent van Gogh

Creativity takes courage. The courage to fail. The courage to succeed. The courage to try again. Also, the courage to stand firm in one's opinions.

The world of art and activism is not a black-and-white, monochrome canvas but a full-spectrum, rainbow mosaic of opinions, colors, and shades.

Like a good drag show, the colors and queens are bound to clash. But when mixed in proper proportions can also complement and coordinate.

“Like a gaudy East Indian purse; outrageous in color, embroidered in cliché design, the worth of these plays lies ultimately in the tiny mirrors woven into the fabric wherein we catch our reflections.”
Harvey Fierstein
Author’s Note: Torch Song Trilogy

The cups of tea we choose – our opinions, tastes, and artistic expressions – shape the narrative of our lives. Just as we relish the warmth of a well-brewed cup (or the comfort of a chilled glass), we savor the richness that diverse opinions and creative expressions bring to the world.

Like a unique blend of tea leaves, this diversity and variety can contribute to the melody of change and progress.

Tea can also stain and make a mess. Life is messy. So is art.

Thanks for reading,
Clint

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