"Silence becomes complicity", Mevlan Shanaj criticizes the silence of artists regarding the civic protest

Renowned actor Mevlan Shanaj has reacted harshly to his fellow artists, who have shown indifference by not speaking out about the civic protest.

In a reaction, the actor criticizes artists, stating that some of them, even when they choose to speak about the government, tend to give political color to their judgments.

Shanaj emphasizes that criticism in our country follows power, and those who remain silent become complicit in what they dare not oppose.

REACTION:

Expressing oneself

I continue to be surprised by the almost complete silence of artists to express themselves on the achievements of their colleagues. I am not talking about long analyses and critical studies. Even a brief opinion, a congratulation, a wish for success or health, is rarely heard.

Meanwhile, when taboo topics or issues related to state administration are touched upon, the voice of the intellectual, in general, remains silent. And, if it is heard, it often comes out in a whisper, loaded more with militant anger than with independent and serious judgments.

Even more worrying is the lack of professional debate about what is happening with art and culture. The public, at all times, has been more advanced in its spiritual demands than official positions. However, professional criticism has been absent or has chosen to go along with official opinion.

This is not a new phenomenon. Unfortunately, in Albania, criticism has often followed the government, instead of moving ahead of it. It is precisely this conformism that has brought us to this state of lethargy, where the main goal seems to be not to disturb the calm of the administration, even when its actions are far from the contemporary spirit and the interest of the citizen.

My question is simple: why does this happen even to those who understand that this way of life does not protect us and does not lead us towards a more civilized society? Why are they silent?

Wouldn't artists and intellectuals feel freer, more spiritually liberated, if they cast aside indifference – not to mention fear – and openly express their opinions?

Because silence is not always a sign of wisdom. It often becomes complicit with what we do not dare to oppose. (From the book in progress "It is not too late to tell")