Music in the Age of the MeToo Movement | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Music in the Age of the #MeToo Movement

With allegations against several prominent musicians, fans are left wondering whether or not it is truly possible to "separate the art from the artist".

47
Music in the Age of the #MeToo Movement
https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-enjoying-the-concert-1047442/

R. Kelly, Jesse Lacey, Michael Jackson. These men were all once powerful and adored voices in the entertainment industry. Their music was the soundtrack to many people's lives and their lyrics reached audiences worldwide. In light of recent allegations against several influential individuals in cases of sexual misconduct and abuse of men, women, and children, it is clear an unsettling pattern of psychological damage plagues these cases.

Not only do the perpetrators often possess unsettling patterns of past behaviors, but the negative impacts on the mental health of survivors is also evident. It is easy to condemn the individual for their wrong-doing and to stand in support of the victim, but what do we do with their music? Michael Jackson was arguably one of the most famous musicians of all time, with millions of fans around the world and several tributes to his legacy. His work played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the music industry, and he inspired many young artists to pursue their dreams. R. Kelly's music has been around for decades, and he has played concerts all around the world. Jesse Lacey was a personal hero of mine, and I had gone to my first and last Brand New concert just a couple weeks before the news broke of his sexual misconduct.

Fans are left wondering if they should "separate the artist from the art" or if they should condemn the individual and their work altogether. The loud voices on either side of the argument are evidence of the confusion that fans are left with after a significant part of their identity has been called into question. Some completely disown the band, acknowledge the effect their music had on them in the past, but otherwise bid them farewell. Some blame victims, poke holes in their claims and disrespecting their stories. Some people got tattoos removed. Others got new ones.

Although there is no clear answer, it can be difficult to listen to a song the same way after realizing the context that might have been underlying the lyrics. By paying for their albums, merchandise, and streaming their music, we are giving abusers a platform and rewarding them for their behavior. However, music is a collaborative effort, and the artist's work is the product of many other band members, producers, and musicians. The songs hold significant memories for many fans, and the lyrics may have helped them get through difficult times or come to terms with their own realities.

Whether or not someone is able to successfully separate the artists from their art is a personal decision. It has to do with how much the music means to them as well as their personal opinions on forgiveness and redemption. Problematic people have created literature, films, artwork, and music that are still revered today, but with the advent of the #MeToo movement and the widespread reach of technology, these cases have become more transparent. What we choose to do with that information will not change past events, but it will influence the way society handles and punishes these individuals in the future. If people do decide to stop listening to those artists, it could usher in an era of newer artists who we can hold to a higher moral standard.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

113
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

158
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

1772
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

730
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments