The arts give people a unique opportunity to protest in a peaceful manner. They become a forum where controversial themes can be presented and are used to convey messages that may be hard to send any other way. The versatility and relaxed environment predominant in the arts gives an unique opportunity to deal with serious topics such as racism, discrimination and violence.

Loyola, as a Jesuit institution that promotes social justice, should use all the means it has at its disposal to spread this message. Although students do community service, more should be done within the university, and Loyola should ensure that the majority of the students are aware of what is happening.

The theatre arts department at Loyola understands the power they have to reach a large and diverse audience and have offered productions that deal with this issue. With productions like “The Laramie Project,” “Nine Parts of Desire” and most recently, “Spinning into Butter,” the department has performed its part in advocating social justice. Clearly, the stage is a non-traditional way to protest social injustices in the world and a way to promote Jesuit values. 

Other artists on campus also have this opportunity to promote their innate talent to Loyola’s and  New Orleans’ community. Lyrics and music are the tools Loyola artists use to express their sentiments on particular issues.

And Loyola’s College of Music and Fine Arts supports its students providing students with connections to find jobs that allow them to share and promote their love for music and also finance their talent. 

Our generation has the opportunity to set a standard for the future. If the artists on this campus take a stance on key issues affecting us, and work together to promote social justice, their messages should be heard so that change for the better can start taking shape.

Those behind the artists keep supporting them to advance their futures and prepare them to perform their talent for the world. Students devoted to music and the arts will use their alma mater motivate them to promote the values of social justices not only within Loyola’s community, but also abroad.

The Maroon believes Loyola’s theatre arts department is heading in the right direction with their social justice-themed productions and should continue to encourage dialogue on controversial issues. Loyola’s artists, both visual and performance, can all make a difference with their creative energy. Students should be allowed to speak through their arts and talents to portray their beliefs about social justice. Loyola should encourage its student artists to take advantage of their art and the rich array of resources at their disposal to send messages that will make a positive difference wherever they end up.