In the USA, we made up the phrase “freedom of expression.”

Constitutionally, the first amendment states that Congress can’t pass laws that, among other things, designate a national religion or abridge the freedom of speech or the press.

Often, these rights are lumped together and expanded to include artistic expression.

And political contributions.

And porn.

But in an America where we have officially anthropomorphized businesses, can the arts be effective tools for positive change? Or simply a numbing agent against negative change?

Have retribution-fearing foundations and donors unwittingly turned nonprofit arts charities into a series of retribution-fearing crab buckets?  With the exception of organizations that seek measurable impact using arts as a means (not an end), have we become participants in social malaise?

If so, send lawyers, guns, and money to get you out of this.