The Creative Impulse
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Hello friends, “One of the keys of fascism is control of the nation’s narrative…” Social philosopher Kimberlé Crenshaw said that in this recent Guardian article. I’ve long admired Crenshaw’s work, and when I read those words this morning, I thought, “this is why I write.” I write to switch the narrative to something that feels healthier, kinder, and more beautiful. Every creative impulse can be anti-fascist. Every creative act can help heal us, body, heart, mind, and soul. Each creative work can bring community closer together. It does not matter what it is. Baking bread, sharing seeds… Think of our ancestors who sang together as they worked. Think of the potters and woodworkers who made ordinary household items things of beauty. Think of all the scarves and shawls and sweaters knitted to help keep community warm. Me? I write worlds I want to live in. I write worlds where magic is real and community comes together to fight for love and justice. I write about centering ourselves, and reaching out to others. Acts of creativity are acts of love and connection. Deep love and connection, in my experience, are anti-authoritarian. Anti-fascism begins where we are, every day. It doesn’t require grand or noble gestures. Keeping community safe is simple: We share food. We share songs. We get creative with what we have. Making space for creativity underscores our humanity. Creativity is as necessary to human thriving as water. Creativity also connects us to the rest of the natural world, which is creating all the time. What helps you create? How does what you create ripple out into the world? Best wishes — Thorn
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T. Thorn Coyle
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