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About this quote

What does it mean?
Claiming art is apolitical is itself a political act that supports the status quo.
In plain terms
Art that claims to be neutral supports the people in power.
What can you take from it?
Neutrality in art often aligns with existing power structures.

Where it applies

  • art criticism
  • policy making
  • cultural debates

Putting it to work

  • critique neutral art
  • support political art
  • recognize bias

Questions to consider

  • Can art ever be truly neutral?
  • Who benefits from neutral art?

Another view

Some art forms naturally avoid political engagement.

More from Bertolt Brecht

  1. Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it is split into warring factions.

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  2. If art reflects life, it does so with special mirrors.

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in whi…

    Permalink to quote #34

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