On the course of one endangered species: Broken, or not fixed yet?
By Charlotte B. Cerminaro
web posted May 11, 2026
The term endangered species typically brings to mind some form of wildlife, a furry or feathered creature whose numbers are approaching the brink of extinction. Multiple factors often intersect at a critical juncture on the timeline, a complex cause-and-effect that can grow quickly into a crisis situation. Rarely is there deliberate intent, though at times an attitude of entitlement, indifference or general ignorance, any or all of several traits being symptomatic of -- and contributing to -- poor stewardship.
The 21st century has birthed a very unexpected, altogether different type of endangered species: Humans. Specifically, those humans who carry the inheritance of artistic skills from generations past, representing a unique continuity of inspiration, beauty and transcendence. Creative tradition has become a moniker -- shallow and vague -- a means of downplaying cultural heritage, draining our civilization of meaning and value. The message is increasingly urgent, and to find it delivered in a way that is both modern and meaningful, highlighting the profound impact created by a more subtle absence, is thoroughly unexpected.
Last week a long-anticipated sequel to the film, The Devil Wears Prada, was released in theaters; it offers unparalleled insight, unequivocal compassion and unabashed humor. In a high stakes setting where corporate downsizing, art and fashion meet, a through-line begins to emerge -- complete disconnect between what was once an art form and its modern-day outsized industry. The film makes liberal use of the performing- and fine arts in a similar manner, showing a cross-section of our culture that is quickly becoming devoid of human creativity and innovation, where there are real-world consequences of targeted funding cuts: Talented and dedicated individuals are losing their jobs.
The cast has many of the same great actors, and several new characters; additionally the script, storyline and editing of this sequel are very timely and well-considered. Its message runs much deeper than that of the original, but some of the humor follows a similar vein with a dose of humble introspection in both personal and social settings.
At the core of this film, its themes are anything but fictional; rather a cold, harsh reality occasionally expressed in more humorous terms, e.g., the starving artist. Historically, the subject matter is one of adversity -- narratives of under-appreciated bohemians, portrayed as consummate heroes who ultimately preserve their artistic vision. Lately however, there is a truly unsettling commonality amongst professionals in the arts and entertainment business -- replication and replacement. Finding their life’s work increasingly devalued in the general public, they are further compromised by the industry’s willingness to accept cheap facsimile rather than imperfect authenticity -- losing the very heart and soul of innovative uniqueness.
Often used now as a means to an end, the word tradition is at once stereotyping and dismissive, of an idea or an endeavor, relegating to mere curiosity or museum relic. It is an expedient term, soothing the political conscience on decisions to cut subsidies for the arts; it is a way of saying, ‘we will continue corporate bailouts but we cannot afford to support antiquated traditions’. It would seem that we are standing at the edge of a terrifying precipice, captivated by the vague indifference and ignorance of this moment…before deciding whether to take another step toward a mirage -- a simulation -- or perhaps, to find another path that is better suited to a long, prosperous journey.
The arts are not exclusive to times or places of abundance, superfluous at all other crossroads. Dynamic, living and breathing, a companion for sorrow, joy, struggle or pain, expressive forms of this nature are neither brittle nor frozen in time. Music and art are communication -- transcendent, unearthly, universally understood, and a link to the ubiquitous mysteries of creation and purpose. Finding connectedness and posterity as a common bridge across the countless centuries seems to be, proportionally, a barometer of our species’ wellbeing; perhaps it is also one of the most endangered and underestimated responsibilities of human stewardship. 
Charlotte B. Cerminaro is a Juilliard-trained classical musician and recording artist. In her free time she enjoys writing and regularly contributes to Enter Stage Right and she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology.
