Happy Friday!
This newsletter is all about making art as resistance, providing inspiration, ideas, and more.
You'll notice it looks a little different here. I switched email vendors to give you a better experience, and ensure this content stays independent. Let me know of any questions or issues!
In this issue: Understanding the real America and its art, as the country celebrates 250 years of hypocrisy ⚡️
The real America
So many stories to tell instead of just waving the flag. Here's a few recent ones featuring art and history:
- The Founding Fathers sucked
- The Resistance Revival Chorus brings joy to the resistance
- Moving from 'resistance' to 'insistence'
- The images that define American history
- Who gets to be remembered as part of America?
- 5 Indigenous women history makers we should know
Critical patriotism
You may remember that Bruce Springsteen's song from 1984, "Born in the USA," was a scathing take down of how working people were fed patriotism instead of justice. And you may also remember that Reagan co-opted the song for his reelection campaign, showing yet another time when Republicans just do not get it. That to me is Bruce, and it's just one example of modern protest music.
As New Jersey opens a museum featuring Bruce, but also a wider look at American music history, the musician speaks about the power of music in this PBS clip. It's not just about protest; it's about expecting and hoping for more from the country.
Linkapalooza
I'm reading: These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma. A future where China (renamed Qin) has spread a technology called Mindbanks, where people log their memories, but also buy and sell others. Just started; really cool so far.
I'm watching: The Leftovers finale. I mentioned in a previous newsletter that I was rewatching one episode a night. I vaguely remembered from my first watch in 2017 that this finale was haunting and beautiful. And holy shit, even more so now. The show is really worth a watch or rewatch.
I'm listening to: Sparks podcast. A fiction podcast that's wholly independent, and wholly original.
I'm sharing:
- Staying visible, even when you want to crawl up and hide
- Make a neighborhood microgrant in your town
- Making a magazine to fight AI
MoreMoreMore
🎙️LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Get empowered with the Art of Resistance Podcast
🦄 EXPLORE THE RESISTANCE LIBRARY: Guides, resources, and recommended reading
📚 GET ART FROM AMY: Books and music for your lists
📋 READ THE GUIDE: 40 Ways to Make Art as Resistance
🤖 SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROJECTS! Email me
See you next week!
P.S. Here's a mixtape of songs that have things to say about the rigged game that is America.
And here's a most excellent and ridiculous song from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, a song which is definitely in Pete Hegseth's email signature:
