By Lauren Kilcommons
We’re probably the first generation in our nation’s history that’s actually become more open about abortion. While it has always been around, the social stigma attached to it has decreased significantly.Art is used as a medium to create discussion. A variety of different media may be used by artists to reflect on past experiences that have had a significant impact on their lives, and use them as a source of inspiration.Abortion is one issue that has been memorialized and commodified through art. It has both created discourse and attracted criticism from artists and activists alike.Singer and songwriter Ben Folds’ girlfriend had an abortion in high school, which he addresses in one of his songs entitled “Brick”. While Folds did not necessarily take a position on abortion, he did say, “I just wanted the song to speak for itself...I just wanted to reflect what it feels like.” [2]The lyrics read: “The world is sleeping/I am numb” and then later in the song, “I am alone”.These three lines encapsulate the horror of abortion. Countless women around us are faced with the decisions about what to do when they find themselves in a crisis pregnancy situation.These women often feel pressured by society into having an abortion, and feel unable to reach out to others for help. They feel alone.Following an abortion, women are alone, no longer carrying their child. Oftentimes, they find themselves feeling isolated, with their family and friends knowing nothing about the pain that they are experiencing.Juno, a film which came out in 2007, follows a teen through her pregnancy. Title character Juno does experience shame and loneliness, but after briefly considering an abortion, she courageously decides to place the child for adoption.This story is a beautiful example and hopeful reminder that, while having the baby is certainly difficult, it is possible and can be done. There is life after an unplanned pregnancy.In addition to musicians and filmmakers, countless other types of artists have also found ways to bring awareness about the reality of abortion. These include more traditional forms of art, such as paint and canvas, but also more novel forms. Such art helps give a voice to those who have been silenced by abortion.Since 1973, there have been over 53 million abortions in America alone. [3] Our society has become so consumed by abortion that it has overflown into other aspects of our culture. This is telling because most people don’t talk about abortion in everyday conversation and yet it is spilling out into the cultural conversation that is artistic expression.Art is a reflection of how big of an effect it has had on our society.Other examples include episodes from Friday Night Lights, House, Mad Men, Law & Order, Teen Mom and movies such as Knocked Up and Juno. In music, “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Runaway Love” by Ludacris, “Lime Tree” by Bright Eyes, “Abortion” by Kid Rock, “Freshman” by the Verve and “Autobiography” by Nicki Minaj all deal with abortion to some extent.What other songs or works of art do you know of that address the topic of abortion?References:[1] photo: http://mattstone.blogs.com/.a/6a00d8341bffb053ef0134863d8fea970c-200wi[2] http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2267[3] http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html#2
