By Takina Walker
Cancel culture, also called Call-out culture, is defined by Wikipedia (it’s a pop culture topic bare with me on the Wikipedia call out) as “a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. People that are subject to this ostracism are said to have been “canceled”. The reoccurring question becomes whether the fans of a proposed canceled artist should separate the art from the artist. Do we listen to Michael Jackson amidst the pedophile allegations? When should we draw the line? Suppose we understand that the collective support of an artist provides financial and social benefits for the artist. Should we hold the artist accountable when we feel their moral compass no longer exists? Regarding this discourse, I have concluded that the line for me is when violence is involved. Harmful phrases and words, no matter how uncomfortable, can be protected by freedom of speech. However, when an artist is grossly using their power and influence to inflict harm to others, holding that artist accountable is important. I think a clear example of this is the difference between Kanye West and R. Kelly. While Kanye West has hurt feelings and bruised egos with his erratic outburst, he hasn’t physically caused harm to individuals. From our knowledge, he has not lured women into hotel rooms like Harvey Weinstein or had sexual relations with minors like R. Kelly. I believe that it’s ok to separate the art from the artist when opinions don’t align. I don’t agree with Kanye’s views about slaves being complacent with slavery, thus making slaves responsible for the violence inflicted upon them. It takes little research to understand the intersection of racism and capitalism, which created an undefeatable force against stolen people. While Kanye might sound tone-deaf, his opinions don’t warrant an ostracizing. Instead, I think they arise opportunities to have impactful conversations. When the artist has voiced opinions you don’t agree with, you should make personal decisions to support that artist. However, to suggest everyone should share their view might be overstepping. R. Kelly is a different animal. Multiple women have come forward to express their experience with R. Kelly, who has used his resources and social status as a means to lure in young girls and inflict sexual abuse. At this point, he has become a predator, and to support his work is to help provide him with a platform and resources to continue to inflict violence. Americans have an interesting relationship with their celebrities. American celebrities are placed on pedestals that we haven’t fully accessed. All we know about these people is their art, and it’s a dangerous playground we create when we allow their art to foreshadow the violence they inflict. Artists are people who have flaws, demons, and skeletons in their closets like the rest of us. When we value these people more than our morals, we endanger lives. We have to care more about ourselves than the opportunity to experience a song or a movie.
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