Interesting how the meaning of “go into the arts” changed. As far as I can tell, today that phrase is specifically about doing some kinds of art for a living (possibly in the sense of “bachelor of arts”, which is about an entirely different kind of “art”).
I think you’re misunderstanding it. He absolutely initially meant “go into the arts” as a career, that would likely result in a lifetime of poverty. It’s part of a joke about disappointing your parents, which is a personal issue for him and a reoccurring theme in his writing. He then transitions into offering advice about the personal value of making art for the sake of it.
He was a transgressive, sarcastic writer. He isn’t speaking poorly of homosexuality, or artists, merely referencing each group’s lack of status in society at that time. His message is to be true to yourself, do things that make you happy, even if they result in social ostracization.
Interesting how the meaning of “go into the arts” changed. As far as I can tell, today that phrase is specifically about doing some kinds of art for a living (possibly in the sense of “bachelor of arts”, which is about an entirely different kind of “art”).
I think you’re misunderstanding it. He absolutely initially meant “go into the arts” as a career, that would likely result in a lifetime of poverty. It’s part of a joke about disappointing your parents, which is a personal issue for him and a reoccurring theme in his writing. He then transitions into offering advice about the personal value of making art for the sake of it.
He was a transgressive, sarcastic writer. He isn’t speaking poorly of homosexuality, or artists, merely referencing each group’s lack of status in society at that time. His message is to be true to yourself, do things that make you happy, even if they result in social ostracization.