The Arts in Education
Exclusive Interview with Yoko Ono
By Dr. Pola Rosen
Education Update (EU): In your poignant introduction to the John Lennon Anthology, you mention the great love that you and John shared. In what way do you think your talent in the arts helped him?
Yoko Ono (YO): Just the fact that we were there together, made us realize things we would otherwise not realize.
EU: What are some of the greatest challenges you faced as a woman in the arts? How did you overcome them?
YO: I insisted on being me. That did it.
EU: What are some of the accomplishments you are proudest of?
YO: The fact that I coped with the vast challenges of life for 70 odd years and survived.
EU: You have been politically active for many years. What would you regard as an important direction for activists to be engaged in today?
YO: Each person should do what she/he is capable of doing. That’s all you can do.
EU: Who are some of the artists and musicians you admire most?
YO: All artists and musicians who are doing their share.
EU: Have the issues of sexism and racism that you battled in the 70s been somewhat resolved today?
YO: Sexism and racism are still around. It seems it’s somewhat resolved, but it’s actually only hiding well.
EU: The Peace Award you created in 2002 is being celebrated in different countries, including Iceland. What is your vision for the future?
YO: We can all keep on giving appreciation and love to each other in the form we are capable of. Don’t try to do anything you can’t handle. Just be your loving self. It will help you, your friends, and the planet.
Love, Yoko Ono #
Yoko shared the following words upon being honored at the National Dance Institute Gala:
I think I am given this honor as an encouragement to continue spreading our love of dance to all corners of the world. Dance is a way of life. Every step you take gives us the pride that we made that step and adding a sense of fun to life. Imagine people, regardless of their race, religion and age, forgetting their differences and dancing all together. Imagine children of the world, East and West, North and South all learning to dance through life. And imagine all the people dancing in peace.
Yes, it makes me smile just thinking about it.
Let’s keep dancing.
I love you.#
