Lethem writes that when artists try to claim sole rights over their work, the value is lost. The piece is no longer as important because it cannot be used again. It is only there to be looked at, not touched. The artist loses fans. But Lethem believes that “the collective public imagination” is most negatively affected. We cannot legally use any part of that work, therefore, it is lost, and our ideas are stunted.
Artists look for praise, people who want to use their ideas. But then they are offended if someone tries to steal them. So they copyright them, which Lethem hates, and keep the ideas for themselves. Artists don’t help society grow if all of their ideas are off limits.
Do artists recycle their own ideas? If they copyright them, can they be used again? Did the artist not steal from another source to create their work? If that source were copyrighted, where would the idea come from?
I think they must reuse ideas—think of a band that uses the same chord progression in every song, or a painter who uses the same technique over and over again
Also, in keeping their work off limits, they are only promoting themselves, and not the ideas, which Lethem deems more important.
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ReplyDeleteI like the way you use "think of a band that uses the same chord progression in every song, or a painter who uses the same technique over and over again." It's so true. It's all a never ending cycle. Lethem ultimately says that every idea is formed, even if only the tiniest bit, from some others idea and that should not be considered plagiarism. I think it's good to state that the "collective public imagination" is the most hurt in this copyrighting. Art is all about expression and creativity, and the process of SHARING that work with others to be interpreted and felt in whatever way possible. I definitely agree with Lethem because in the end, the ideas are the most important part of art, not fame or promotion...And if it is for those reasons, then maybe those people should not even be considered "artists."
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