A working class creative (and decent human being) is something to be
Empowering creatives, and the importance of having more diverse social voices in the face of prejudice.
For this article, I am playing on some lyrics from John Lennon’s ‘Working Class Hero’ song from the early 1970’s. This beautiful song, is a wake up call for me to be humble, decent, and always reminds me of how my parents were hard working, grafters during their working lives. My idea of being working class is something to be proud of and aim towards, instead of striving to be some kind of elitist. I’m sure the complexities of Lennon’s sombre tapestry of lyrics have a far greater meaning, but this is what the track means to me for the most part.
My pride
I’m writing this article, first and foremost, out of pride for my background and also to inspire people of all social backgrounds not to feel like they don’t belong, particularly as creatives in a so called middle class professional industry. For me, ALL voices matter and ALL voices are important.
What’s prompted this, is a number of incidences of late where it was suggested that I was different, and not as good as someone, because of where I was born and the city I live in. The tone of which was that I’m common and trouble. In addition I have been called out on how I pronounce words and my accent, like there’s a problem with how I innately speak. I’ve even been told off for drinking red wine out of the wrong shaped wine glass.
In my professional career as a graphic designer, I have been called a ‘Janner’ by an ex-colleague. This is a term that I personally love. However, they used the term as a derogatory characteristic towards me. For those who don’t know, a Janner is a name given to people who are from Plymouth, Devon, and who also speak with a particular accent and dialect. The person who called me this is from an apparently more affluent part of Devon. I’ve always had the impression that they think of being a Janner as being a lesser characteristic.
I could go on and on with examples but I won’t. For the record, all of the above really grinds my gears and admittedly hurts my pride. I am sensitive and a proud human who has been unfortunate to have experienced an underlying social prejudice throughout life and work. But it doesn’t get me down. Hurts sometimes yes, but it gives me a fire in my belly to keep on going.
A creative tradesman
Apparently, jobs such as graphic design and other creative disciplines alike, are considered middle-class professions. This is because creative jobs require specialist skills and harbour cultural value. However middle-class they may be or seem, because of my background and experiences, I’ve always seen my skill set, as a creative professional, as a trade. That is, I am a tradesman of sorts. In the same way as a mechanic or bricklayer, I’m proud of that mindset and it humbles me in the same way as Mr Lennon’s ‘Working Class Hero’ lyrics.
Add this mindset to my experiences with a sprinkle of social and cultural prejudice, and I’m left feeling that my background, opinion and take on the world is more important than ever. If you’ve made it this far down the article, please know, your voice and unique background is important also.
For the record, I’m not a snobby person. I am aware that the working classes can be snobby to people who are deemed to be in mid or upper class tiers of society. It’s the elitist “I’m better than you” rhetoric that I don’t like and has no place in my life. I honestly don’t care where you grew up, how you speak or how you dress. Whatever your social background, as long as you’re a good person (who at least tries to be decent), you’re welcome in my life and I definitely want to know your story.
Say it loud and say it proud
In the same way the likes of Bob Dylan and Kurt Cobain have been said to be voices of their particular generation, and encapsulate a certain zeitgeist with their music, visual creatives can do the same.
I’m a great believer in communicating what you know. Whatever your background, cultural heritage, however you identify or whatever you’re into… put it in your work. Your personality and upbringing is a superpower and your stories and perspectives matter… so, put it in your work. Don’t ever think that your voice isn’t worthy, or think your skills aren’t as good because you feel another creative is better than you.
Try to get into the mindset, that the more varied the creative industries are, the more enriching the creative landscape can be with diverse voices and perspectives. This will in-turn make art more inclusive, ideas and stories more interesting, and over time (I hope), society as a whole more accepting of one another.
Creativity is for everyone
Keith Haring was a well-known American pop-artist who famously set up a Pop Shop, to sell his artwork on posters, t-shirts and other types of affordable merch. He did this to spread his visual language, ideas and activism further beyond that of wealthy collectors. For me this is a bit of ‘middle finger’ up to the high-brow art world, as Haring believed art should be for and enjoyed by everyone.
On the back of this, I in turn believe that art (or whatever the creative discipline) should be created by everyone, regardless of their background. Those who then create and communicate their unique culture, will help more communities feel seen and represented in the world, further making art accessible for everyone.
Art, graphic design, illustration along with all artists and creative practitioners, regardless of where they’re from, should feel able to be express themselves and do their own thing free from being looked down on. In any case, I don’t expect all the social prejudice and snobbery in the creative world (and society) to disappear with the writing of this article. I’m really not trying to put anyone down and contradict myself. Even if certain people have put me down before. Sure I’ve had my pride trod on, but on the whole I believe in acceptance and letting people be themselves. However, sometimes you have to put people where they belong. Whether that’s in your life or in the bin, that’s up to you to decide.
In many respects, I’m choosing where to put myself also in the face of this. It’s on the side of my working class background, where my good intentions and kind values towards people lay. This, together with other creatives, who need a little pep talk, to get their lovely work and unique viewpoint out into the world. We need it.
Just be kind and open minded where you can.
Thanks for reading. Pete :)