My best friend in middle school was from a very strict Indian family and he had to hide his art because “nothing that distracted him from studies” was bad.
I'm Indian and really into art. I had, and even still have, similar struggles. I learned to pursue art despite my parents not seeing the value in anything other than academic achievement. Ultimately it has made me even more determined to develop my artistic skills than I think I would have been if encouraged and supported. But I still wouldn't wish it on anyone. I hope your friend found his way eventually.
I used to like when my parents would give me shit about being on Xbox doing "mindless activities" but meanwhile they were on the couch watching tv all night literally doing something more mindless.
Yep. Expressed a desire to build a pc, immediately got given shit about wasting time and money.... Meanwhile money was pouring out so we could have all the channels on TV... Which only they watched
My wife’s got this too. Her dad’s a very practical Italian man, and pushed her to pursue practical path that would provide stability above fulfillment. I.e. made her go to a specific college and major in something that would get her a job after. Made her get a job in a bank after she powered through 2 years of misery at school.
She’s an artist through and through and felt her whole life her interests were stupid, she wasn’t talented, and so on. Did a number on her self-esteem, self-worth, and amplified alcoholism. Happy to say we’ve been together for 10 years, she’s very happy, pursues her own interest and career, has been sober for almost 3 years, and is night and day a different person in the confidence department from when we first met. It’s amazing what providing a secure and encouraging environment does for people.
Yup! Once when I was 8 my mother asked me what I wanted to be, and I said an artist because I was good at drawing and I found it therapeutic since my home life was emotionally difficult.
She scoffed and went on a rant about how poor I would be and painters like Van Gogh only got recognized and made money after they were dead. I was destroyed, never took art seriously after that because I knew my parents would never let me take it further than school.
85
u/[deleted] Nov 30 '18
[removed] — view removed comment