Greetings! It's week 8, and therefore this blog will soon be coming to a close. But don't fret! I still have a few weeks' worth of posting left, and this week it is regarding one of the most overlooked topics in American society: the Arts!
The chapter on advocacy was weird to me because I thought that putting advocacy organizations into only three categories (one of which was labeled "other") was far too broad. With such a wide latitude given to define organizations, I feel that many organizations may be slipping under the cracks when they would normally be defined as unethical.
I was interested by the first additional reading given to us, because it really rings true to why nonprofit organizations are so attractive: their tradition in serving America makes people want to participate. It's also true that hardly any aspects of American life have not been touched by nonprofit organizations in order to improve their quality.
The second reading regarding the Oregon Attorney General's efforts to publicize questionable charities interested me because I like how there are plans to make tax deductible charities be accountable for their fund raising reports, and that they adhere to the rules. But when I read Senate Bill 40, I did not realize that the majority of these unethical charities are headquartered by people out-of-state.
Moving on to Laurence Arnold's article on how the Arts pumped $166 billion into the US economy in 2005, I think it is very important that the arts are promoted by the American government, as they are as important as sciences, social sciences, and athletics to society. The Arts sector is very important because through paying taxes as organizations, charging patrons for events, and development of artistic abilities in people. It's important that the arts are promoted, because this sector (linked with others) can be directly tied to development of some awesome things- sustainable, attractive architecture, amazing parks that bring a community together, and beautification of once-unappealing structures and locales. There is much to say for the arts and what it can do for the American spirit.
Finally, the article about poetry giving teens a voice struck me as interesting because it seems that poetry is giving these students and outlet to voice their discontent with society (family troubles, school, relationship problems etc.) It makes it more acceptable and understandable for these children of poverty to speak their mind, and teaches them valuable leadership skills.
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. As with you I also agree that our government should play a larger role in promoting the arts. Afterall, they keep our history and culture alive and provide a platform for expression. For me, this article ties into the article on poetry and teens. The arts are giving teens an arena to be creative while teaching much needed communication skills.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize either that most of the non-profits that are considered unethical are from out of state. It makes sense though. I'm betting a lot are shell companies that are run from out of country. I am worried about SB 40 running amok though. What's to stop the state government from lowering the amount of money able to be spent on advertisement to the point where they can't actually advertise? I'll admit that non-profits need to advertise otherwise how would you hear about them besides word of mouth? They need to advertise their services, donation drives, new services or locations etc. At what point does it become excessive? I can see this going badly at some point and Republicans lowering the amount able to be spent on advertising to the point where non-profits can't easily operate as a way to get rid of them. In these times I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen.