Jed Wolf

Cultural controversy has me tangled in knots of artistic responsibility. While wrestling with questions of creative freedom versus cultural sensitivity, my friend called with his own solution to world suffering: “I’m going to wear black until the world stops suffering.”

The quote—borrowed from Johnny Cash’s earnest declaration twenty years ago—struck me as absurdly funny now. It’s like saying “I’ll suffer until suffering ends.” Such circular logic perfectly captures our helplessness in the face of global chaos.

Art and faith are supposed to be balms for the soul, especially as the world tilts toward greed and darkness. Yet here we are, watching hatred, ignorance, and violence threaten to eclipse everything beautiful. Maybe that’s why chaos and absurdity make complete sense these days. When I compare my personal narrative to the current state of the world, my story actually starts looking better.

So here’s my solution: Take a pencil, grip it between your teeth like a horse’s bit, and force yourself to smile. Watch what happens. Sometimes, the act of creating art—even if it’s just the art of smiling—can shift our perspective. Satire and parody aren’t just forms of self-expression; they’re survival tools in an increasingly absurd world.