Context:

Exploring the concept of ideological art, Ross Douthat engages with Jonathan Keeperman to discuss what constitutes successful right-wing art. Keeperman initially suggests that such art is truth-telling, free from progressive constraints, but later revises his stance, questioning whether art can be politically categorized without losing its essence. Christopher Scalia's book attempts to deepen conservatives' appreciation for literary culture without reducing works to mere propaganda. Douthat considers both right-wing and left-wing art as capable of portraying reality in ways that resonate with opposing ideologies, citing examples like V.S. Naipaul's works and the series 'Andor'. Ultimately, successful ideological art unsettles audiences, challenging their perspectives without necessitating ideological conversion, but rather fostering unexpected sympathy and understanding across divides.

Dive Deeper:

• Jonathan Keeperman, a far-right publisher, initially defines right-wing art as truth-telling free from progressive biases, but later questions if categorizing art politically is a category error, suggesting art should transcend political boundaries.

• Christopher Scalia's book encourages conservatives to appreciate literary fiction beyond political theory, warning against reducing art to propaganda but also exploring the artistic value of ideologically motivated works.

• Successful ideological art, whether right-wing or left-wing, captures aspects of reality that resonate with audiences across the political spectrum, without resorting to agitprop, as shown in V.S. Naipaul's portrayal of post-colonial societies.

• The Disney+ series 'Andor' is cited as successful left-wing art due to its compelling portrayal of oppression and rebellion, resonating with conservative audiences despite its leftist themes, akin to Tony Gilroy's 'Michael Clayton'.

• Great works like 'The Lord of the Rings' sometimes subvert their own conservative themes, allowing left-wing admirers to engage with the material while acknowledging truths outside their ideological framework.

• Appreciating art from opposing political perspectives should not lead to ideological conversion but should kindle a deeper understanding and sympathy for differing worldviews, challenging audiences to reconsider their assumptions.

• The test of politically themed art lies in its ability to unsettle and provoke thought, offering unexpected truths that resonate beyond political affiliations, rather than simply reinforcing existing biases.