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The Democratic Arts
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Here’s a pitch: The three great democratic arts are law, education, and journalism. You need skilled practitioners in each, free to do their work openly in the public sphere, in order to have a healthy democracy. Specifically a meritocratic democracy with true social mobility.

I’ve seen the phrase “democratic arts” plenty of times, but never attached to a list like this — though it’s possible I’m unconsciously cribbing it from somewhere. I like these three because, besides being concrete and important, they’re each fun.

February 16, 2009 / Uncategorized

7 comments

I’m tempted to add a corresponding triad of “public technologies”: planning, police, and public health. But yeah, I’d say you’ve got it about right.

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Although, you forgot to mention musical theater. But maybe the continued importance of the oldest and most revered of all democratic arts (Aeschylus, anyone?) goes without saying.

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Ah hahaha. Done and done.

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Since when is law fun? The age of Aeschylus, maybe. But now? This is fun?

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The law has NEVER been fun. Unless I’m totally misreading Prometheus Bound.

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Yeah, but… Matlock! Law & Order! C’mon, it’s super-fun. I realize nobody really does “trials” anymore… but when they do! Drama!

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You’re going with “Matlock” as Exhibit A? Seriously?

Law, education, and journalism as the dramas of democracy, that I can see.

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