Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose illustrates how difference can unite and create strength; photograph by Vlastja Simončič, Public Domain, source →

THE MUSICIANS OF BREMEN KNEW SOMETHING WE FORGOT

The Power of Difference in Creative Solidarity

Difference Is Strength

The donkey, dog, cat, and rooster each had a distinct voice. They didn’t blend to harmonize. They amplified difference.

Artists, too, thrive in difference. A painter, a poet, a dancer, and a composer need not make the same work. Their strength lies in shared courage, not shared medium.

Refusing Worthlessness

The common thread is refusal. Refusal to accept the verdict: your work is unnecessary, too difficult, too controversial. This refusal is what gives collective power.

The Cacophony That Commands Attention

Like the animals’ stacked cries, distinct voices become formidable when combined. The power of collective action isn’t in sameness but in multiplicity.

Takeaway

The lesson is simple: value your own voice. Recognize the voices of others. Stand together, even if your work looks different. Difference is your power.

Randall White
Abbetuck

Next in this series:

• When Institutions Cower: Why Artists Can’t Wait for Permission →

First in this series:

• Artistic Solidarity: The Musicians of Bremen Knew Something We Forgot →