Lianny Rodriguez
William M. Davies Career and Technical High School
Onward We Learn
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Reflections on Humanities, Art, and the Need for Empathy in Today’s World
This summer, I had the privilege of traveling to Spain, where I explored the intersection of social justice and art history. During my travels through Andalusia, I visited various landmarks, museums, and cathedrals, each with its own rich history. As I admired the stunning architecture, my professor shared the stories of religious and racial persecution that minorities had suffered in these very spaces. I realized that while it’s easy to admire art and architecture, it’s often more difficult to fully comprehend the history and significance behind them. Understanding the past is important, but seeing its effects with your own eyes makes all the difference.
Art, throughout history, has always been political. Artists have long used their work to comment on the world around them—whether in support of or in protest against their governments. Today, this can be seen in music, with lyrics that clearly express political views. Historically, though, artists had to be more subtle, often creating works that were indirect but nonetheless powerful. Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous artists in history, was known for his bold political statements in art. One of the most impactful pieces he created was Guernica, a large black-and-white painting that depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. The painting, commissioned for the 1937 Paris World’s Fair, is still considered one of the most powerful anti-war symbols in the world. Picasso’s intention was simple: to make viewers feel the suffering that war brings, regardless of language or nationality.
As a student at a technical school, I see firsthand how heavily the focus is placed on STEM subjects. This made my summer course on art and humanities even more meaningful. The trip opened my eyes to a history that isn’t often taught in schools, showing me that, in many ways, our world has not changed much since the 1940s. The current political climate mirrors the fascist periods of history more than we would like to admit. But if I could ask global leaders one question, it would be: “Where would our world be if we focused more on empathy and less on calculation? What if we saw people as human beings rather than numbers on a chart?”
While technological advancements have helped society progress, we still witness devastating conflicts. No one should endure the suffering that Palestinians in Gaza or Ukrainians in their ongoing conflict with Russia are experiencing. This trip reminded me that we have the potential for progress—if the people in power start thinking more with their hearts than their heads.
Through my travels and experiences, I’ve learned that our world would be so much better if we embraced empathy and compassion. Art, history, and the humanities provide the lens through which we can understand our shared humanity and build a more peaceful future.
