There is an argument over whether it is more
desirable for a company to spend money helping improve the arts than protecting
the environment. Although some people are favor of the statement, I firmly
believe that it is a better choice that a company invests in the environment
instead of the arts due to the following two reasons. Most importantly,
investment in the environment is for everyone whereas the arts are not. In
addition, a growing number of groups are already supporting the arts and now
they are indeed considered enough, especially in my country, Korea.
First of all, everyone will benefit from
improvements in the environment. Unlike the arts, the environment is just all
around us. With no exception, we all take advantages of air, water, streets, parks,
and so on. On the other hand, just few groups of people enjoy the arts. Opponents
to this idea may argue that the arts are also for everyone. This may seem true,
but the reality is far from it. For example, a survey conducted by National
Bureau of Art and Culture in Korea in 2007 reveals that less than 60 percent of
people in Korea feel that they truly enjoy the arts. Based on the study, the
better way to improve everyone’s life is definitely investments in the
environment rather than in the arts.
Moreover,
support of the arts is now going well and in fact, it is enough. The number of
the art supporting groups has been rapidly increasing since a few years ago and
the huge money has been invested in improving the arts as a result. Opponents
to this idea may insist that there still remain lots of art groups in need.
This may seem true, but the reality is quite different. According to the study
conducted by Seoul National Art Association in 2009, it turned out that only
less than 15 percent of art groups have a financial problem. Compared with the
same study in 2003, the proposition of art groups in need have gradually
decreased from 65 percent to 15 percent. It clearly shows that the art support
activities are so vivid that now investment in the arts is not really required.
In
conclusion, I strongly believe that a company had better spend its resources on
protecting the environment rather than on supporting the arts. Not only will it
give a benefit to everyone but also enough are art supporting activities.
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