Meaning: The quote "We eat up artists like there's going to be a famine at the end" by Nikki Giovanni, a renowned poet, reflects on the way society consumes and often exploits artists and their work. This quote captures the idea that artists are often underappreciated and undervalued, despite the profound impact their work has on culture and society.

Nikki Giovanni is an influential African American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Throughout her career, she has been known for her powerful and insightful poetry that addresses social issues, race, and gender. Her work often challenges societal norms and expectations, and this quote is no exception.

When Giovanni speaks of "eating up artists," she is referring to the way in which society eagerly consumes art and creativity without fully recognizing the effort, talent, and emotional investment that goes into creating it. This consumption can take many forms, such as exploiting artists for their work without fair compensation, devaluing their contributions, or failing to provide adequate support for their endeavors.

The comparison to a "famine at the end" suggests a sense of urgency and desperation in the way society consumes art. It implies that there is a fear of scarcity, as if there won't be enough art or creativity to sustain us in the future. This highlights the short-sightedness of society's approach to art and the lack of appreciation for the lasting impact it has on culture and humanity.

The quote also raises important questions about the value and recognition of artists in society. Despite the profound influence that art and creativity have on our lives, artists often struggle to make a living from their work. They may face financial instability, lack of support, and difficulty in finding opportunities to showcase their talents. This can lead to a cycle of underappreciation and exploitation that hinders the ability of artists to thrive and contribute fully to society.

Moreover, the quote speaks to the broader issue of how society values and prioritizes the arts. In many cases, artistic pursuits are seen as secondary or frivolous compared to more traditionally "practical" careers. This can lead to a lack of funding for arts programs, limited access to resources and opportunities for artists, and a general lack of understanding of the importance of art in fostering creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

In conclusion, Nikki Giovanni's quote "We eat up artists like there's going to be a famine at the end" provides a poignant commentary on the way society consumes and undervalues artists and their work. It serves as a reminder of the need to recognize and support the contributions of artists, and to foster a culture that values and respects the role of art in enriching our lives.