President Obama called for a 'we' nation in his Inauguration

In the words of Anna Deavere Smith, we are reminded that the true power of art is not simply to inspire, but to elevate the collective spirit of a people, to draw them together in a shared vision of unity and strength. Smith’s reflection on President Obama’s Inaugural Address, when he called for a "we nation," speaks to the timeless human need for community and connection. She continues, "Art convenes. It is not just inspirational. It is aspirational. It pricks the walls of our compartmentalized minds, opens our hearts and makes us brave." These words capture the essence of what art can do—it breaks through the barriers we place around ourselves, challenges the boundaries of our individual experiences, and calls us to something greater. Art is not only a reflection of the world; it is a force that shapes it, creating a shared space where hearts and minds can unite.

In the ancient world, great art was always a communal endeavor, meant to bring people together, to create a shared experience that transcended the individual. Consider the Greek theater, where plays were not simply meant to entertain, but to provoke thought, to challenge the audience to reflect on their roles in society and in the divine order. The tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were not merely performances; they were catalysts for dialogue and self-examination. The audience was not passive; they were actively engaged in the moral and philosophical questions posed by the play. Just as Obama’s call for a "we" nation sought to unite a divided people, ancient art sought to heal the wounds of its society, bringing them into a common understanding of their shared humanity. Smith’s words about art being aspirational echo this ancient function of art—not merely to uplift, but to transform.

In her description, art is not just inspirational; it is aspirational—a call to something higher, something beyond the constraints of the individual self. This distinction between inspiration and aspiration is crucial. Inspiration is the spark, the initial illumination that can come from a piece of art. Aspiration, however, is the enduring drive it ignites within us to become better, to reach higher, to transcend our current state. In this sense, art is not just a passive reflection of the world, but an active agent of change, urging us to strive for the best version of ourselves. Think of the monumental works of the Renaissance, such as those by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whose masterpieces not only inspired awe, but also challenged the viewer to reflect on the divine and the potential for human greatness. These works were not merely beautiful; they were aspirational, calling forth the highest ideals of both the artist and the viewer.

Art also "pricks the walls of our compartmentalized minds," as Smith so aptly puts it. The world today is often divided into factions, identities, and tribes, with each of us retreating into our individual corners of the world. Art, in its highest form, shatters these divisions. It forces us to confront not only the similarities we share, but the common humanity that unites us all. Consider the work of the great leaders and visionaries, such as Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, who through their actions and words sought to break down the walls that divided their societies. They understood that true liberation comes not from separation, but from unity, from understanding one another as human beings first and foremost. Art, in the same way, serves as a bridge, connecting us across cultural, racial, and political lines, and creating the space for the healing and understanding that the world so desperately needs.

The power of art to open hearts and make us brave is perhaps one of its most profound effects. Art has the ability to awaken courage, to stir within us the strength to act, to dare, and to stand for something greater than ourselves. Consider the example of the abolitionists, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose book Uncle Tom’s Cabin played a pivotal role in changing the hearts and minds of many, urging them to confront the evil of slavery. Her words did not just inspire people to feel compassion for the enslaved, they challenged them to become part of the solution, to stand up and take action. Art, in this sense, is not just an expression—it is a call to action, a rallying cry to rise above our fears and embrace the courage necessary to make lasting change.

The lesson we can take from Smith’s words is clear: we must see art as a powerful force that unites, uplifts, and challenges us to be our best selves. It is not enough to merely admire art; we must let it shape us, let it call us to greater actions. Whether through political action, social justice, or simply personal growth, we must respond to the call that art so often inspires. Smith’s vision reminds us that in our current time of division and discontent, we need art more than ever to guide us toward unity, to inspire bravery, and to remind us of our shared humanity.

To future generations, I say: embrace art not just as something to be admired, but as something that can transform you, unite you with others, and push you to act for the common good. Just as Obama’s vision for a "we" nation called us to rise above our individual divisions, so too must we approach art with the understanding that it is a force that breaks down barriers and builds bridges. Let it inspire you, and more importantly, let it spur you to action, to create a world that is united, brave, and full of hope.