If you want to really hurt you parents, and you don't have the nerve to be gay, the least you can do is go into the arts. I'm not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.
Kurt Vonnegut emphasizes the importance of the arts as a profound outlet for personal expression and emotional growth. He playfully suggests that pursuing a career in the arts can be a surprising way to challenge parental expectations, especially if one feels unable to embrace their identity openly. The arts, in his view, offer not just a means of survival but a way to enrich one’s life and spirit. Engaging in creative activities, whether singing or writing, fosters a sense of accomplishment and allows for personal development.
Vonnegut encourages people to embrace the arts regardless of their skill level, highlighting that the act of creation is rewarding in itself. He believes that every attempt at artistic expression contributes to the growth of the soul. By participating in creative endeavors, individuals can find joy and meaning in their lives, suggesting that the value of the arts lies not in professionalism but in the intrinsic satisfaction and connection it provides. Ultimately, he advocates for a life filled with creativity, whether through simple acts of artistic expression or more serious pursuits.