I am thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new blog! I envision this blog to be a collaborative space, about us — embracing a collective approach, inviting opinionated guest collaborators to share their unique perspectives. From thought-provoking pieces to perspectives, our blog will be enriched by a range of voices. In the coming months, you’ll meet our first guest contributors, explore diverse topics, and dive into spirited discussions around psychotherapy and life. We hope to make this blog a dynamic space where ideas collide, imaginations ignite, and community thrives.
It would be incomplete if I did not include some hesitation I have in publishing material. This is because of the understanding that any creative material reflects not only the individuals but also the broader cultural currents and historical context. The zeitgeist — the spirit of the times — permeates every word penned, every stroke of the brush, and every note composed. Even works considered groundbreaking or ahead of their era carry echoes of their time. It is with this appreciation that I hope everything emerging from this blog will be accepted. It is, like us, will be and will remain, a ‘product of its time’.
As can be seen from the following cases, temporal factors — whether societal norms, biases, or evolving archetypes — shape the product.
Assagioli’s work
Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974), the Italian founder of Psychosynthesis, had ideas shaped by his contemporaries, including Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Assagioli’s writings have been both visionary and controversial. Some of his ideas have been criticised as sexist by modern standards. For instance, Assagioli’s views on gender roles and relationships at times reflect the prevailing norms of early 20th-century Europe. Some of his work carries traces of the gender dynamics prevalent during his lifetime, revealing assumptions about gender roles and traits.
Literature that ‘aged badly’
The literary world is awash with instances of the prevalent cultural zeitgeist. This idea can be seen for example in controversy around the work of the poet Rudyard Kipling (1865 - 1936), to British author of children’s books Enid Blyton (1897–1968), to others active today, which contain themes of ethnic stereotypes and elitism. In 2018, students at Manchester University defaced a mural featuring Kipling's poem "If." They replaced it with Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" as a stand against what they perceived as Kipling's racist work. The students felt that Kipling's poem did not align with their values, especially considering his poem "The White Man's Burden" and its imperialist message. The incident involving students defacing the Kipling mural exemplifies how the zeitgeist influences our interpretation of creative works. The students' actions reflected their desire to reclaim history capturing the contemporary cultural zeitgeist of elevating voices that had been oppressed by figures like Kipling.
Archetypal evolution
Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Analytical Psychologist Carl Jung (1875 – 1961) introduced the concept of archetypes — primordial universal patterns or unchanging yet adaptable more-than symbols that reside in the collective unconscious of humanity. These archetypes shape our thoughts, behaviours, and relationships. Archetypes serve as fundamental blueprints for creativity, appearing in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and everyday narratives, permeating literature, art, and music. While core archetypes remain unchanged, their expression evolves over time. Humanity’s relationship with archetypal themes shifts as cultural contexts change.
Artists reinterpret archetypes, infusing them with contemporary meaning. For example, the hero archetype in superhero comics reflects modern ideals of justice and courage.
Summary
Creative material is intricately woven into the spirit of its time. Even when artists push boundaries and challenge conventions, they remain shaped by historical context and societal experiences. Creative works are woven into the fabric of their time, carrying the zeitgeist within their lines and melodies. By acknowledging both the merits and flaws of published material given their context, we can navigate the complexities of creative heritage.
In a world where cancel culture thrives, expressing opinions can be a precarious endeavour. Cancel culture, fuelled by social media, swiftly condemns individuals or groups for offensive or debatable behaviour, often without room for nuanced conversations. While it sheds light on injustice, it also stifles dialogue and understanding. The court of public opinion becomes both judge and jury, leaving reputations hanging in the balance. As we navigate this landscape, striking a balance between accountability and empathy remains crucial.
I hope this blog will walk that tightrope.