Life Essentials

The ongoing expression of frustration and anger in the media by artists and those in the creative industry in response to a survey which ranked artists as the most non-essential job in Singapore sets me thinking.

They asked pertinent questions like where movies, tv dramas, comics, books, music and infographics come from without artists.

Personally I love to watch historical drama. Without the scriptwriters, actors, directors, producers and a host of backstage support personnel, my life will certainly be less enjoyable and more boring. Of more importance, such drama let me reflect not only on history but point out many finer truths in life. Often such realization provide wisdom and occasionally serve as catharsis when I feel dismay or lacking.

After finishing the last season of The Crown in Netflix I have moved onto a few Chinese historical dramas. Currently I am watching "Prince Gong", a China produced TV series which depicts the pain and challenges of a statesman and regent at the end of the Qing Dynasty in China.

In an episode where Prince Gong, brother of the Emperor, had to sign an unequal treaty with the Allied forces after they burnt down the Summer Palace and threatened to march into the Forbidden City, his subordinates beseeched him not to take the burden of blame and accusation of selling the country away. In despair Prince Gong replied that even so it has to be borne.

这骂名 这罪名 您可不能背 

to which he replied  不能背, 也得背

It is a very poignant scene but it reminds us that in life we just have to take things in our stride, a step at a time and manage difficulties as best as we can, even at the expense of self for a larger good,

不能背, 也得背   This phrase carries a very strong message in times of hardship.

Well, Prince Gong would be comforted if he knew that in a century and half later, China will emerge as one of the strongest world power while UK has fallen from its powerful glory as lamented by Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. Again reflection from watching these shows make one realizes the impermanence of fortune and misfortune.

Coming back to the debate about how essential artists are, it is suffice to say that without them we are just breathing bodies with no life.