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Sherrlene Uy

Teacher - English and Research, Glendale School, Inc. (QC, Phil)

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What are the challenges that gifted and creative individuals face at present?

Hi everyone! I am working on a research about the gifted and creative individuals. I'd like to know what are the challenges that the gifted and creative people experience in your country. Share your thoughts please :) Thanks!

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    Bakul Valambhiya (Mistry)

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    Mar 10 2013: In India, if you are a gifted creative individual, you are liability to your own family because here people want Doctor, Engineer and Scientist or Businessman in the family as their children and not creative. Sadly we Indians are very much concerned about earning money only. Due to this most of our great artists in Fine Art, Performing art are out of our country and recognised by world more then our own people!

    • Xiao Zhi

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      Mar 11 2013: It is the same in China. The reason is, in poor societies, people are more focused on getting the family ahead with a kind of survival instinct. As societies become more middle class and feel less pressure, I think this changes. When I was leaving university 25 years ago and decided to pursue a career as an artist instead of engineering (my training) my family was really disappointed, too shamed to say it but it was unmistakable. Now they see it was the right choice for me, even though I still sometimes face economic hardship from year to year. I think the same will be true in India. Culture is a valuable asset of any country.

      But ironically, my engineering training came in handy to get me work when I was finding my way, and provided me some practical organizational skills that are an advantage.

      One interesting point is that as developing countries become more prosperous, it actually creates some opportunity for creative people since "New Rich" tend to invest in art as a status symbol, which is good for artists because we need to eat!
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        Sherrlene Uy

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        Mar 13 2013: Xie xie nin! Coming from a chinese family like you, I know how tight chinese families are. What happens to our gifted chinese back home?

        • Xiao Zhi

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          Mar 14 2013: Much depends on economics because middle class have more opportunities but I think China is developing to the point where social mobility is more possible and more of an issue driving change and the internet has become a force for public dialogue and driving change.

          But we still have a long way to go, so keep walking ....
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      Sherrlene Uy

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      Mar 13 2013: SERIOUSLY?! Oh my! So what happens to the gifted ones :(

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