"I love being part of art that has a message." That's how Teyonah Parris expressed not having any reservations being part of Spike Lee's latest movie 'Chi-Raq' in her Vogue interview. The movie is about the rampant gun-violence in the South Side of Chicago, and the women in the community going on a sex strike in an attempt to make the men end the violence.
This isn't the first role and project that Parris' has been a part of where a controversial topic was front and centre. Last year she starred in the movie 'Dear White People' about a campus war that brakes out between blacks and whites and a predominantly white school.
I think that it's important to bring your voice and attention to subjects that matter, and particularly so when you have a platform to make a bigger impact. You don't necessarily have to voice your opinion through your art, but that is certainly a creative way to do it.
Many people don't express their opinion, particularly regarding controversial topics because of either fear of public opinion, or because they feel their opinion won't change anything. I'm known for not wanting to ruffle any feathers ever, but being a people pleaser to the point where what matters to you is suppressed, is imprisoning yourself.
The two greatest prisons that people live in is in their mind, and fear for what other people think of you. Tiphani Montgomery whom I love and follow across social media refers to people-pleasing as a disease that she's long been delivered from. I think it's high time we join her and stop caring what other people say.
There's a picture that has floated around social media (attached below) that proves to show, no matter what you say and do, somebody will find something to say. Especially if you what you're saying and doing matters.
So as you're pursuing your dreams, don't compromise your values and beliefs. Dare to be part of art and projects that have a message, so that you can inspire someone.
Be blessed!