Korsmeyer pp 155-170 (Brand); and Becker, “Herbert Marcuse and the Subversive Potential of Art;” Rich, “Dissed and Disconneted: Notes on Present Ills

Because of today's society and how we as humans interact with not only each other but also with our surroundings that when we view something like a piece of art we develop our own opinions and views. Our personal feelings and past experiences get wrapped up into our perceptions of things. Brand believed that some people should view art with an attitude of disinterest and a more masculine and unemotional approach. All these approaches Brand says are all right in their ideas. Being disinterested allows us to understand and view pieces of art. So is it better to go into a piece of work with no ideas or expliantions about the work, and come to your own conclusions? I think yes, this is a good idea, but only to a certain extent. If you view a piece about politics and you have no idea what the reasoning or even the slightest idea of how to come to a valid conclusion of the piece. There have been pieces I have been offended by it only until I understand and know the artist's statement and own idea behind the piece do I appreciate it. So if we are suposed to view art with a "disinterested, masculine, unemotional state, how can we truely appreciate it or understand it without knowing it's real meaning and message?