Well, the Wag can only shake the waggly head, and wonder. Can it be true that at least as far as one reader is concerned, the most important current issue is the Wag’s syntax? That the only grievance is address-inspired resentment? And what does the term ‘culture czar’ really mean? Culture czar? A tyranical ruler? Don’t get the Wag started again. Perhaps the backwaters are stagnant, emitting foul vapors that are poisoning what otherwise might have been fine, creative minds. That’s one explanation, anyway.

The real issues here have little to do with any one person, nor with who’s the boss hog at the funding trough. The problem is a gaping lack of exposure, sensitivity and perspective. Sadly, our expectations are low, and most of us seem to be unaware of it. As West Virginians we once had the excuse that we were isolated. That simply isn’t true anymore, but we continue to think like we still are. Can it be a cultural habit? The Wag noted in an earlier blog that it is said that West Virginians are anti-education. Perhaps the better description of the prevailing attitude here is that education is superfluous. The amount, depth and breadth of education should be serious considerations for all positions of leadership here, not just the culture sector. If the leadership is truly aware, they will lead the people to awareness. Culture, created and inspired by education, determines the way economic development is pursued.

The Wag is calling for a serious investigation of the current state of West Virginia affairs in the arts, culture and history. Hey, Charleston Gazette and Charleston Daily Mail–there’s a lot more to the coverage of culture than calendars of events, sassy stories and photos of bands and other entertainment, and profiles of celebrities who happen to hit town. The prevailing public perception seems to be that the arts are a backwater, a diversion for the rich or a haven for weirdos. The current beefy power structure is oblivious to art and culture except in its most obvious, conventional forms–a clear result of the lack of sophisticated arts education in West Virginia schools, and a serious lack when it comes to a deep understanding of West Virginia culture and history.

Would it be possible to conduct a fair investigation of who gets what — and why? Whew, if excellent, incisive reportage and criticism were ever needed, it’s needed now.