Perceptions of Power: Leadership, Community, and the Role of Art

In a 1963 eulogy for Robert Frost, John F. Kennedy described poetry as "the means of saving power from itself."

In a 1963 eulogy for Robert Frost, John F. Kennedy described poetry as "the means of saving power from itself." His words suggest that art, in its many forms, serves as a check on authority, a means of exposing truths, and a tool for fostering understanding. Power, by its nature, is unstable—shifting within families, communities, and institutions depending on resources, influence, and circumstance. Whether in personal relationships or society at large, power is often more about perception than absolute control. And yet, as history and culture have shown, even those without traditional authority can wield immense influence—especially through art.

In a family, power is not always about money or status, but about voice and influence. A healthy family unit allows decisions to be weighed collectively, where each member has a say. Yet even in the most loving households, unspoken hierarchies exist. Who gets the final word in an argument? Whose opinions carry more weight? The presence of respect and communication can soften the edges of power, but they do not erase them. Leadership in families is often fluid, shifting based on experience, personality, and circumstance. In moments of crisis, for example, the person best equipped to handle stress may become the de facto leader, regardless of age or previous influence.

In communities, power often translates to control. Leadership in grassroots organizations, clubs, or local initiatives tends to be assigned to those who are vocal, charismatic, or simply willing to take responsibility. However, power in these settings can be fickle—strong leaders emerge, but their authority is dependent on trust. If leadership becomes disconnected from the people it represents, its influence quickly wanes. This is where art and culture play a crucial role. Musicians, writers, and poets have historically acted as voices of the people, speaking truth to power and inspiring change.

Bob Marley, for instance, was not a politician, yet he held immense power. His music carried messages of resistance, unity, and social justice that resonated far beyond the borders of Jamaica. Songs like Get Up, Stand Up and Redemption Song empowered the powerless and reminded people that real authority lies in collective consciousness rather than any single ruler. Through his art, Marley exemplified Kennedy’s assertion that poetry—and by extension, music—can save power from itself. By challenging oppression and offering hope, artists like Marley shape societies just as profoundly as traditional leaders do.

True power, then, is not about dominance, but about connection. In families, it lies in mutual respect and shared decision-making. In communities, it emerges through trust and collective vision. And in society, it thrives when voices—whether political, poetic, or musical—hold power to account. Leadership is not about who commands the loudest, but who can inspire, uplift, and create lasting change. Whether through poetry, protest, or song, the ability to influence thought is perhaps the most enduring form of power there is.