Death Quote by Sarah Schulman
““It drives me crazy how quickly the great ones get canonized. 'Blah-blah-blah is such a terrible loss.' Does that mean that the death of one mediocre slob is not as terrible? Do fags have to be geniuses to justify living?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Canonization of Great Artists, 2010
The rapid elevation of celebrated figures can marginalize average creators, questioning whether only brilliance justifies remembrance.
In simple terms: Greatness is often over‑celebrated.
Key Takeaway
Value diverse contributions, not just fame.
Themes
celebration
mediocrity
cultural memory
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
essay
social
When to use this quote
- publishing
- museum curation
- education
Key Concepts
sociology
art criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Who deserves recognition beyond fame?
- How does fame affect artistic value?
A Different Perspective
Canonization can overlook important voices.
