“No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.” — Edward Hopper
Let’s just imagine for a second. What if Leonardo da Vinci, Emily Brontë, or any of the great minds in history were sitting in our classrooms today—unnoticed just because their creativity doesn’t fit into a math test? They struggled, fought against the odds, and still engraved their names in history. But in today’s world, would they even get the chance?
I think about this a lot, probably because I’ve been through it myself. I still remember school. I was never good at math. No matter how well I did in literature, it was always second to math and science. It felt like my worth as a student depended on one thing—whether I could solve equations or not. And if I couldn’t, well, then I was just “that average kid” who was only in school for the sake of it. And guess what? I started believing it too. The constant judgment messed with my confidence. I felt like a failure. It didn’t matter that I loved literature or excelled in it—math always overshadowed everything else. Looking back, I realize how damaging this mindset was. And what’s worse? It’s still happening today.
Fast forward 30 years, and I see my son going through the same thing. He’s brilliant in creative subjects but struggles with math. I was shocked by the process when I approached his school to switch his subject. We had to go through a long assessment to take an alternative subject like art or music. A psychologist had to issue a certificate stating that he had a “condition” because he couldn’t grasp math concepts. Imagine how that must feel for a child. My son knows he’s great at what he loves. Yet, the system makes him feel like there’s something wrong with him. He understands what’s happening. He knows this process isn’t about his abilities—it’s about forcing him into a rigid system that refuses to change.
And this isn’t just about his school. This is happening everywhere, even in one of India’s largest education boards. Creative fields like art and music are not seen as valid choices unless a child has been officially labeled as having a learning disability. Why? Because math, science, and computers have been placed on a pedestal. Everything else? Just a hobby. Something fun to do, but not something you build a future on.
Art is not some “extra” subject. It changes the way children think. Research has shown that kids who engage in creative activities think more critically, understand emotions better, learn patience and discipline, gain confidence, and communicate more effectively. But beyond that, art isn’t just a tool for learning. It’s a career, too.
When we think about “real” careers, we hear the same words: doctor, engineer, IT professional. But did you know the global creative economy is worth $2.25 trillion? Fields like graphic design, filmmaking, animation, writing, and game development are booming. But do we tell children that? How often do we tell them that being an artist is just as valuable as being a doctor or an engineer?
One of the most frustrating things I’ve seen is how art teachers are treated. Instead of being recognized for their skills, they are reduced to decorators—asked to make school projects, fix display boards, or help out with event decorations. And by doing this, we are belittling their expertise. We are sending a message to children that this profession has nothing to offer them. That choosing art or any creative field means settling for less. But that is far from the truth. Art is everywhere. It is in the books we read, the movies we watch, the games we play, the products we use. It shapes how we experience the world. And the people who teach it deserve respect—not just when the school needs decorations.
Most school leadership positions are filled with professionals from business and IT backgrounds. And that’s great. But where are the creative thinkers? A 2022 Adobe report found that 85% of educators believe creative thinking is just as important as critical thinking in leadership roles. Creative leaders in schools can ensure that art is treated as a real subject, not an extra, encourage innovative teaching methods, and create a culture where creativity is valued alongside academics. Without creative leadership, schools will continue forcing children into narrow definitions of success.
Art isn’t just about drawing or playing an instrument. It’s about thinking, feeling, and expressing. It’s about solving problems in new ways and bringing ideas to life. Art teachers are not event planners. They are mentors who shape young minds. Schools need to recognize their importance and give them the space to teach, inspire, and create. And most importantly, we need to start telling children that being an artist, writer, or musician is just as important as being a scientist or an engineer.
Fallacy of a Mute Story 
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