spotlight
One of the most important things about the arts community in my mind, is that we have the ability to challenge the norm and point out truths in a way that is more palatable. Absolutely, in interesting and fun ways too, that’s
where we step in. I’ve always felt passionate about what’s going on culturally, politically and in every other way. I feel motivated all the time. I’m not one of those people who needs something dire to happen to get up and every day and dig in. I think it’s just my natural setting. You seem like someone who has always been pretty driven. I’m not driven for fame and fortune necessarily, though. I’m driven because I care about my world, I care about humanity and I would like to see people be open to other cultures, other ways of thinking and have it be an open, wonderful experience being on the planet. I mean other wise, what are we here for? To get all seized up and be small, cheap and stingy with our emotions and not care about each other? Let’s put something more into it. It’s been a challenge to adjust to this new reality. Though really, it’s just another old patriarchal, “top down” power structure again. Right? (Laughs) That’s what it is. Fortunately, patriarchy is dying, unfortunately, we keep getting these last gasps. I keep wondering when they are finally going to expire. (Laughs) Can it be enough already? (Laughs) I mean, we get it, you don’t want to go. But you know what? You don’t have to go. However, you must become part of the whole picture, not just the picture. Isn’t that the truth!(Laughs) I’m curious about who your other influences were. How you developed your sense of awareness. Or, do you think you just came out of the womb that way? I think it’s partially the way I came out, but, then
people like Gloria Steinem and all the other women we just talked about influenced me, too. Women of the entertainment world, people like Jackie Kennedy, growing up and seeing people like her who were sophisticated and filled with grace and fire. I mean, that was just the world and the way it was and to a great extend still is. Michelle Obama has inspired me for the last eight years. I continue to be inspired by new people and by memories of those I grew up watching and listening to: Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, the list just goes on and on and on, it’s a mile long. Women and men who have been fearless.
I’m curious how much being a parent changed your perspective on your work. It deepened the experience, for sure. My daughter
just turned eighteen and she voted. She is off to college and is motivated and activated and totally engaged politically. They are the next generation and have just had a big disappointment, so it was and is, a big wake up call for them. It’s a wake up call for all of us. It’s one for the LGBT community in particular; to reactivate and not let the great progress we’ve achieved slide. I just think it’s about everyone who cares about humanity, about getting it together and really being one. No matter whether you are Muslim, Jewish, LGBT, Black or Native American or Mexican, when you are not the norm, we all need to find a common ground to make the world better. Every- body has the same basic needs. It’s just curiosity and intelligence and longing to know each other that separates part of the culture from the other.
Tell me a little about what else is happening next for you. Will you be doing another album or book? There will be a new CD at the show, along with
other DVD/CDs, T-shirts and all the things that I sell only at my shows. I just think it’s the best place to do it. (Laughs) In terms of a studio album, I hope so. I have my fingers in several different pots, trying to stir up a lot of stuff right now. I’m writing another book, working on scripted TV shows, another performance sort of film and all the things that I’m constantly trying to make happen. There really isn’t an endpoint to the game, is there? Well, I guess just death... Yes. (Laughs) Well, maybe just for a day or two
and then it’s back to the grind. You just have to motivate yourself and keep doing it.
Sandra Bernhard will be performing at The Wallis, 9390 North Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly HillsThursday, December 8 through Saturday, December 10. To purchase tickets, go
tosandrabernhard.com.
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RAGE monthly | DECEMBER 2016
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