Pop culture is an aspect of society that is very unique, constantly changing and being sculpted by the values of the people amongst it. Songs, books, TV shows, even art can all have some very powerful messages, but is there more than what we just see on the surface?
Some singers may have beautiful messages to be conveyed in their work, but when looked at further, one may discover that the individual who created this artwork isn’t necessarily someone of upstanding moral value. This individual could be a racist or publicly support unethical causes, but it is all being covered behind an empowering message.
A heated debate often created amongst members of society is truly important. Is it okay to still love someone’s music if the music is beautiful but the person contradicts everything within it?
Questions of this nature are often brought to the table but not ever clearly answered. For example, Kanye West, a very iconic celebrity, spurred a lot of emotions on Twitter following the time period he openly discussed his view that slavery was a choice and that the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery, should be gotten rid of.
West made many statements which caused a lot of distress. The New York Times quotes West as making the following statement: “When you hear about slavery for 400 years — for 400 years?” he said. “That sounds like a choice. You was there for 400 years and it’s all of y’all? We’re mentally in prison.”
Even after the backlash, West still has an astounding 29.3 million followers on his Twitter platform, making it likely that many people who disagreed with his statements are still contributing to his following.
I find understanding the moral differences between the art and the artist as something difficult to prove. Too often, it is easy to assume a strong message has to be backed by a strong artist.
With this in mind, I feel it important to acknowledge the difference between dissociation of the art from the artist and downright refusing to acknowledge such art. We, as people, can still appreciate strong works of art while knowing it may be flawed.
Having a vivid memory of a message once heard in some art form is normal and acceptable. But what kind of example is being set if we are continually supporting new works from an artist who supports things against our own moral agenda?
More often than not in today’s day and age, things must be taken with a grain of salt. Although compassionate, moving messages of art can be appreciated, it’s important to dissociate a person’s harmful actions, like sexual assault or racist comments, from the work, leaving people with a feeling of remembrance of the work, rather than the person themselves.
