When a totalitarian society faces creative protests, it is like ice meeting fire. Authoritarian rule is serious and incapable of humour. It exercises strict control over thoughts, to prevent the rise of ideas other than its own. There is no room for communication or negotiation, because otherwise it would lose ground. Often we see protests held for legitimate reasons, yet executed with a lack of creativity. Only art and creative acts can resolve the repressive power of an authoritarian regime. They are efficient, human, and intelligent.
Change is not a matter of belief. It is as inevitable as evolution. Over the centuries, human history has been impressive with its constant change. The only surprise is that the changes keep happening, faster and faster. They are beyond our prediction. The question is not whether changes will happen or not. Change can happen at any time, anywhere. It is happening now.
Street Spirit is a relevant and powerful book for our times. It collects the possibilities of change, as well as the emotions, expressions and languages within. No matter what kind of society we live in, it takes the individual to rebel and exercise civil disobedience for those in power to recognize public concerns. The only effective expression for protest is creative expression.