Ben Folds performs on stage with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra at Perth Concert Hall on January 28, 2021 in Perth, Australia.
In February, Ben Folds resigned as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, shortly after President Donald Trump took charge of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic advisor to the NSO,” Folds wrote on Instagram on February 12. “Not for me.”
While Folds is not overtly political, he has used his music as a platform to encourage dialogue and understanding within his audience. He has the opportunity to do so in his recently announced 2025 concert tour, which includes the “Paper Airplane Request Tour,” where members of the audience can request songs by sending paper airplanes to the stage.
However, given Folds' more subtle approach to societal and political issues, it is unlikely that his upcoming tour will be focused on politics since Folds has not overtly done so in the past. His most recent album “What Matters Most,” released in June 2023, does touch on political and social themes but it isn’t his overall message. Instead, Folds chooses to explore themes of personal growth, human connection, and societal issues by blending humor, vulnerability, and poignant observations that encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
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And maybe during these divisive times in America that is exactly what is needed…some reflection on our own lives and the world around us.
A perfect example of Folds’ style can be seen in "But Wait, There's More,” a song that critiques the state of Western civilization and the influence of internet disinformation. Similarly, "Kristine from the 7th Grade," reflects on reconnecting with a former classmate who has become a conspiracy theorist, blending humor with concern.
While Folds certainly is not political by nature, his songs do tell a story of contemporary life in America and perhaps that is what we all need at this time in our history. His song, "The Ascent of Stan," reflects on generational shifts and the compromises of ideals, which can be interpreted by some as politically charged. While “Brick” tells a story of his high school girlfriend having to deal with an abortion, Folds has explicitly stated that the song is not a political statement but instead a song about the feelings surrounding that experience.
Regarding "Brick," Folds has explained that the song is a deeply personal narrative about a high school experience involving an abortion. He has said, "I didn't really want to write this song from any kind of political standpoint or make a statement. I just wanted to reflect what it feels like."
This highlights his intention to focus on the emotional weight of the experience, rather than any broader commentary on politics. Similarly, Folds’ hit "The Ascent of Stan” is a reflection on the irony of growing into the very things one might have rebelled against in their youth. The song critiques the transformation from idealistic rebellion to becoming part of the establishment, encapsulating themes of self-realization and societal change.
Historically, artists have often responded to societal tensions and political divides through their work, using creativity as a form of activism and commentary. If history is any judge of the future, as polarization continues to grow in our nation, more and more contemporary artists are likely to address the many contentious social and political issues that separate us as a nation.
Art has the power to provoke thought, inspire change, and bridge divides, making it a natural medium for engaging with political and social issues. The pop culture section of The Fulcrum will continue to explore the power of connecting the dots between pop culture and activating millions of Americans to create a functioning and healthy democracy.
In the words of the great jazz artist Wynton Marsalis, “Music heals people because music is vibration, and the proper vibration heals.” Music indeed brings people together and multiplies their energy.
David Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
A microphone.
On March 12, French artists, DJs, and musicians united to fight the threat of the far-right government in France that they felt was a threat to democracy in their country.
More than 1,200 artists, DJs, and promoters from the French music industry came together to galvanize “the world of the night” into political action and to protest the possibility of the first far-right French government since the Second World War.
As well as performing, many of the artists gave voice to why they felt compelled to perform.
Lucas Langlais—founder of record label Unfair Music and a member of the Front Électronique (FE)—stated, “Our culture has remained silent for too long. We can no longer stand idly by without acting to defend who we are and the people we love.”
“The electronic scene has always been a refuge for diversity, whether it be sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or individual beliefs. We believe that music and dance are powerful means to resist intolerance and celebrate freedom of expression.”
The artists came together to ask fellow citizens to combat the “dangerous wave of racism and homophobia in response to the rise of the far-right in France.”
So, where are American artists today in America?
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Where is Luke Combs, who so eloquently performed “Love Can Build a Bridge” in 2023 at the Grammys?
Given the divided times we live in and the heated rhetoric in American politics, an inclusive and healing message is needed now more than ever. The lyrics that Luke Combs sang should be heeded by all Americans and all politicians today:
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?
I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart's desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me
And where is Taylor Swift today? In the fall of 2024, she stepped into the fray, endorsing Kamala Harris for President, and announced she would be voting for Harris because she believes “we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
There is a long history in America of artists stepping forward when the principles of our nation are challenged, but where are the artists, songwriters, and performers in America today?
They are strangely silent.
If today’s stars come together like they did in France last week, they can build a movement for Democracy; A movement that is not Democrat or Republican but one that dismisses old definitions of right and left and instead focuses on values, and blossoms into an optimistic vision for the future of America. As “We Are the World” did in the 1980s, today's artists can inspire citizens to become active participants in healing and change.
Imagine the passion and positive impact that celebrities could inspire in this time of social media and internet-driven divisiveness. Imagine the power of music and celebrities coming together, demonstrating unity for democracy.
I urge artists from across the political spectrum—right, left, and center—and across all genres, representing the diversity of music and people in America, to raise their voices for democracy.
This is not about being a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. It is about using the power of music to speak to the principles of Democracy—a democracy that builds on the pluralistic values that define our nation.
Music, theater, poetry, and all forms of pop culture have amazing healing and connecting powers. We know that when we join people together, their energy for good can be amplified to help power change. Music, in particular, can play an important role in celebrating what unites us—rather than dividing us—and in activating millions of Americans in a movement.
Our pop culture stars can make a difference. And now is the time to do so.
David Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
The Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project tackles the problem of broken trust that has left Americans divided, lonely and in social gridlock. Weave connects and invests in grassroots leaders stepping up to weave a new, inclusive social fabric where they live. This is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of community weavers from across the country.
With the weather getting colder across the northern hemisphere and some holiday time with family and friends coming up, you might want to kick back with a movie. We’ve got you. Here are some movies that will give you hope, leave you smiling and maybe inspire you to get out and rebuild social trust in your community in 2025.
It’s an ominous title, but this documentary delivers a powerful, positive message that we can heal society’s isolation and divides by just showing up. It explains decades of research by Robert Putnam, the political scientist who wrote “Bowling Alone” about the decline in social capital in America. Putnam, who is featured throughout the film, shows with data that communities and governments thrive when people join things in person — whether churches, bowling teams, social clubs, political parties or civic groups. Many in the Weave community recommend the film highly — and you are likely to be telling friends about what you learned. It’s newly available on Netflix.
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“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” ran for nearly 30 years as a children’s program on public television. Fred Rogers, the host, taught a generation of children to acknowledge their feelings, care for each other, recognize that everyone has something to offer and welcome others as neighbors. The first film is a documentary called “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Netflix). The second is based on a true story of a magazine writer assigned to profile Mister Rogers and whose life was changed because of their relationship. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (Hulu and others) stars Tom Hanks. Weaver warning: It seems silly and slow at the start, but rapidly gains emotional speed.
In this documentary, a film crew travels across America interviewing everyday people, politicians, religious leaders and weavers of all types. It explores whether or not love, specifically unselfish love, can heal the extreme social and political divides facing the world. Bishop Michael Curry, who gave a passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is featured. You can rent “A Case for Love” on many streaming channels.
This documentary film by The New Yorker follows Arlo Washington, a barber who decided to tackle the racial wealth gap in Little Rock, Arkansas, by teaching young adults to be barbers. No commercial banks had branches in his neighborhood to make loans to start businesses or buy homes, so he started his own rooted in relationships, mutual support and community building. The 35-minute film is free on Youtube or you can read the New Yorker article it is based on.
This documentary “weaves together stories of kindness, decency, and the power of community in America. It's about everyday people who make the intentional choice to lift others up, despite fundamentally unkind realities in our society.” The film shows communities across the United States where neighbors are getting together to do everything from helping unhoused folks find connection and support to integrating refugees into their communities. “It's about who we are and maybe, who we can be.” You can rent “The Antidote” on several streaming channels.
Hollywood tends to give us films about our challenges and divisions, often with bigger-than-life heroes who have to save us from ourselves. If you have favorite movies showing everyday people working together to heal loneliness, isolation and division, add them to this post in our Weave Community.
To see more stories like this, subscribe to Weave’s weekly newsletter.
Plata is communications manager for Weave: The Social Fabric Project.
While it may seem like our country is more politically divided than ever, political division has been a recurring theme throughout American history.
The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the struggle for civil rights, the protests surrounding the Vietnam War and similar events highlight how deeply divided opinions can become. Each of these periods had its own complex set of issues and emotions, and they shaped the nation in significant ways.
Professor Tim Dale, whose academic background is in political science and political theory, believes we should temper our media consumption with a conversation to have a broader view of the issue. During a TEDxUWLaCrosse presentation, Dale explained why it is essential for people to take the individual responsibility of getting news from multiple sources. When that happens, we are more informed of how the story is communicated differently.
I practice Complicating the Narratives, a solutions journalism strategy that helps journalists find new ways to report on controversial issues and polarizing politics. It draws on the experience of experts in conflict mediation.
In"This Thanksgiving, it's not only OK but necessary to talk politics," I presented why we need to connect with and not avoid one another after a grueling election season. Now, I am exploring how theater and the arts can help effectively introduce opposing viewpoints and communicate through those differences.
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Theater has a unique ability to engage audiences through its characters and their experiences, prompting discussions and encouraging reflection on various issues. Presenting relatable stories and diverse perspectives allows viewers to contemplate important themes and societal challenges. This reflective quality can lead to meaningful conversations both during and after performances.
The ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues and immigration (to name a few) have indeed contributed to growing polarization in the United States. These topics often evoke strong emotions and differing viewpoints, leading to intense arguments among individuals and communities. Many people feel passionately about their beliefs, which can create divisions, but it also highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding to bridge these gaps.
In the play "The Totality of All Things," art imitates life. Judith Benson is a liberal-leaning educator well-known for running the award-winning student newspaper at her small-town high school in Indiana. The paper emphasizes the values of truth and integrity in journalism. However, when an anti-gay hate crime occurs in her classroom, it challenges her beliefs about mentoring the next generation of reporters and raises questions about the very nature of truth.
In 2023, playwright Erik Gernand wanted to write about nationwide polarization but knew he couldn't write about current hot topics. "I needed a story with more distance. As a gay man who benefited from the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage, that felt like the right jumping-off point, "he said.
"I think drama in any form can help an audience process their feelings about a topic. When I go see a show, it often gives me an outlet to work through my own thoughts and experiences," said Gernand.
He said the show's narrative is about messy characters struggling through a messy situation. "No one in the play is exactly right or wrong, good or bad. As hard as that is to admit, that's very much the real world, if we like it or not," he said.
“The biggest thing in my mind after I first read ‘Totality’ was how Erik wrote his characters to be flawed and heroic in equal measure,” said director Enrico Spada. “It’s incredibly compelling to watch them grapple with the situation they’re in and argue with each other, because I can just as easily agree with either side. It’s challenging for me as an audience member and really satisfying to work on with actors.”
In one of the pivotal scenes, Judith argues with Micah, the student she assigned to write an article about the incident. "We are journalists. We report the truth. That's how we make this world a better place,” she said in lobbying to name the person who spray-painted a swastika on her classroom bulletin board about same-sex marriage.
Micah opposes outing the classmate, vying that Judith is just as intolerant as the people who oppose same-sex marriage, and urges in part: "Maybe we should look at the whole person, like the totality, before we judge."
Is there a definitive right or wrong position over such topics in a country as clearly divided as ours, as the popular vote demonstrated in this year's presidential election?
For Gernand, it's a losing battle because he believes both Judith and Micah are right in ways, and they're both wrong in ways. “And that's what I love in a climactic scene, a showdown where there's not an easy or obvious way out, maybe even no way out,” he said. “That's great for drama but sadly not for the state of polarization in the country.”
An artistic platform, like theater, can be a productive channel for helping people engage with each other about subjects that can sometimes be uncomfortable to address. (Disclosure: I am the understudy for Principal Benson in the Chicago production of "Totality.")
“Theatre can definitely provide a kind of healing and education by transporting people out of their lives and into someone else’s, so they can practice empathy and broaden their horizons by pondering situations and people they may not normally consider,” said Spada. “I think this play is better than most because it doesn’t tell you what to think or feel, instead presenting a challenge and letting you process it in your own way.”
Throughout history, theater has been a fundamental aspect of human society, serving as a medium for expressing opinions and influencing public perception. It is deeply intertwined with cultural life, reflected not only in the performances but also in the rhetorical techniques employed by politicians. When utilized effectively, theater can be a significant instrument for social change.
Through its year-round programming, Collaboraction Theatre Company, a Chicago nonprofit, explores theater's role in social change.
The group invites its crew and audience members to listen and learn from one another, bringing their disagreements and questions.
In "How theatre can lead to constructive political conversations," Collaboraction's artistic director, Anthony Moseley, and former executive director Marcus Robinson discuss how theater can open people up to more constructive political conversations.
Theater and politics share a profound relationship that dates back to ancient Greece, where theatrical performances were grand for their time, and orators resembled the earliest politicians.
In today's landscape, the spectacle of politics remains similar. It is characterized by bold campaigns and persuasive tactics, with sharp rhetoric and promises prominently featured in mainstream media.
Theater has consistently reflected society, often challenging prevailing norms. Contemporary theater continues to encourage audiences to engage with a variety of ideas while reminding them of significant messages from the past.
This platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through live, communal experiences, making it a valuable avenue for exploring political concepts and promoting civic engagement.
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The Totality of All Things runs through January 19, 2025, at Redtwist Theatre.
Balta is director of solutions journalism and DEI initiatives for The Fulcrum and a board member of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, the parent organization of The Fulcrum. He is the publisher of the Latino News Network and a trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network.
