“Is there life on Mars?”
The question was not asked by some tech-billionaire hoping to unearth the secrets of the universe. Nor was it asked by an astronaut, aspiring to make history as the first man on the red planet.
Instead, the question was asked by David Bowie, glitzy, glamorous, pop-extraordinaire
The track “Life On Mars?” debuted on Hunky Dory, Bowie’s fourth studio album. The infamous rock anthem transcends both philosophy and art; over roaring guitar riffs, Bowie questions art’s ability as a means of escapism. Can a good book or movie really transport someone to a new level of reality? Are there dangerous consequences to such escapism? Or maybe, art should be kept as a means of reflection, to hold up a mirror to one’s own life and process one’s own emotions.
At first glance, “Life On Mars?” follows a young girl who goes to watch a movie after an argument with her parents. She sinks into her seat and simultaneously sinks into a new moment, mood, or maybe even planet. Our protagonist retreats from the loneliness of reality through cinema. Art would be useless if the world were perfect, as one wouldn’t look for harmony but would simply live in it. Simply put, art is born out of an ill-designed world. Pieces work as a means of healthy escapism, as the conscious shifts focus from uncontrollable stressors to peaceful distractions—not an attempt to ignore one’s problems, but to aid in coping with them. There is no better feeling than hearing or reading the words you have been trying so hard to articulate. Stepping away from persistent stressors through escapism allows for some space to gain perspective, if not just a mental break. Escapism doesn’t have to be something as literal as a full-length film, a sad Phoebe Bridgers song, or sci-fi novel. Constant daydreaming, scrolling through TikTok, and endless driving are day to day, smaller examples.
But sometimes when there is life on mars, it can prove detrimental.
There are many instances in which art has pushed others to destructive tendencies. While relating to other artist’s experiences and pieces. Mark Chapman, who killed John Lennon in 1980, was reported to be carrying a copy of The Catcher In The Rye, at the time of the crime. He identified with the novel’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, and believed Lennon’s lifestyle contradicted Caulfield’s values. The overwhelming escapism Chapman experienced with The Catcher In The Rye, led to the assassination of Lennon. Unknowingly, J.D. Salinger’s novel indirectly caused death. Does this mean that Salinger should be charged with murder? How much of his action should be taken into account?
Even more, though Nietzsche spoke hostility towards anti-semitism and nationalism, the Nazis made selective use of his philosophy. Nietzsche’s philosophical message was used as rationale for Germany’s holisties amidst World War II. Books such as “Beyond Good and Evil” and “The Spine” were taken out of context and applied to their lives, but were used for bad instead of good.
Consuming and understanding art is walking a fine line. While escapism is a wonderful means of attempting positivity and meaning in a seemingly hopeless world, there are many instances of applying an artist’s experiences and work in order to rationalize malevolent intentions.