It's been said that "if more politicians knew poetry and more poets knew politics, then the world would be a little better place in which to live" (JFK).
The 17th century Scottish politician Andrew Fletcher put it like this: "I would rather write the songs of a generation than write its laws."
Whatever the gist of these statements, the fact of the matter is that artistic expression — whether in the form of poetry, storytelling, film, music, visual arts, sculpture, dance, theater, and so on — plays a fundamental role in shaping the beliefs, values and causes that matter to us. In the same way, art is also a reflection of our hopes and dreams and can serve as the embodiment of a greater state of justice, peace or equality not yet realized in the world today.
It is thus encouraging to see that, over last few years, the voice and status of women has taken a more prominent place in various forms of mass media and entertainment. One need look no further than the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster Wonder Woman, the popularity of Rupi Kaur's poetry Milk and Honey as a New York Times best-seller, or the installation of the Fearless Girl statue on Wall Street last year. We only have more great things to look forward to in 2018, like a documentary on the life of pioneering Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
This concept of art speaking to the deeper questions we all wrestle with is also a central theme of this website. The Map Room is a place where stories are to be shared, thoughts put to verse, experiences set to music and ideas painted with bright colors and broad strokes.
So in honor of International Women's Day this past week, it's only fitting to feature some original poetry speaking to the issues at hand. I hope it resonates with you, and here's to the many spectacular women who are changing our world for the better, one day at a time.
In case you missed it, go see Part 1 of this series where Cristin answers some candid questions about sexual abuse, offers insights into human emotional development, and challenges us to imagine a a new societal paradigm.
To learn more about Cristin's personal story, her work with victims of abuse, her writing — or to book her for a speaking engagement — check out www.cristinjolee.com or contact her directly at cristinjolee@gmail.com.
(cover photo from Shutterstock)