Creative Liberation Under Class Systems

We cannot be defined by our struggle

Wordsofintegrity — Creative liberation under class systems

It’s not breaking news that those from marginalised backgrounds are hugely underrepresented in the creative sector. Attempts to diversify hiring tackles part of the problem, but what about the creatives who don’t feel they belong in that space? How do they find creative liberation under class systems?

I sparked up a conversation with a man the other day after complimenting his locs — well dressed, well spoken, great posture (despite being a few rums deep). I asked him what he did, then watched as he verbally danced around the question without giving me any context that signified his profession. I understood immediately.

“Oh, you’re an artist!”

Surprised that I was able to decipher anything from his ramblings, he explained he is a photographer, worked at an agency, and teaches — A response I wish he’d confidently shared.

I too have spilled word soup in response to that dreaded question. As though those 4 little words unravelled me one syllable at a time, leaving me exposed as a mannerless fraud that had no right to claim a seat at the artistic table.

Despite how much money a person has, there is a distinct contrast between asking that question to someone who has grown up with privilege and someone who has not. Those with privilege take up verbal and physical space in response to that question, flailing their arms and words in orchestral fashion as they sing their own praises. The difference? They can immerse themselves in the creative path without fear of survival and express their passions with pride. They probably haven’t heard that a career in the arts would leave them starving. A sobering thought for those who witness family, friends, or neighbours slip below the poverty line.

The psychological impact of exposure to working class environments perpetuates fears that keep class systems upheld. Whilst promises of meritocracy would be doing a disservice to anyone born into those spaces, it is important to recognise how our environments influence our choices and beliefs of what’s possible.

Additional responsibility falls upon the shoulders of children born into low income families. For example, the pressure to physically and financially support the older generation when the time comes, adds a layer of complexity to career choices. Then there is the difference in how the individual values their creative skills and contributions to projects — Those from low income backgrounds may find it uncomfortable to discuss money with clients or undervalue their services due to a lack of experience.

Two people with the same craft, same ability, will not have the same approach to their career depending on the level of privilege they have grown up with. In fact, I would argue that someone born into poverty has more to offer because they have had to navigate other barriers whilst working on their craft (although this may be harder for the individual to recognise).

It is not simply the quality of work we put down on the page, the canvas or wherever our creative ideas are birthed into the physical world — it is who we are that adds real value to our work. If the things that make us who we are are born out of hardship, it should not be something we hide or shy away from. We can claim ownership over our struggles without labelling ourselves as victims. Taking positives from negative situations by understanding what we’ve learned amongst the struggle is a quiet yet powerful liberation that we can pour into our creativity and careers.

Whether this liberation takes place in the privacy of our own home or is sparked within shared spaces, it is a process of learning, recognising, and remembering our personal value. We must do so without guilt as we recognise that the challenges we’ve faced under class systems are a result of those flawed systems. They’re not due to faults in ours or our parents’ characters. We can acknowledge the difficulties, but not be defined by them.

Although the physical barriers may be very real, we cannot allow the psychological barriers to hold us back from going after the things we are passionate about. That is how we achieve creative liberation under class systems — by recognising the strength and tenacity we possess as survivors of a flawed system, and using it to propel forwards with our heads held high.

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