Can I Still Enjoy House Of Cards? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Can I Still Enjoy House Of Cards?

When do we separate the art from the artist?

131
Can I Still Enjoy House Of Cards?
Flickr

Sexual predators are being called out and taken down, and let me just say, I'm here for that. As horrifying as it is to hear of how much harassment and assault has occurred in the entertainment industry and in politics (and let's be clear, it happens in all industries), I'm so glad to see these creeps being exposed and this issue being taken seriously.

In the wake of all of these sexual harassment allegations, I've been debating with a problem myself - notably, a problem that is minuscule in comparisons to assault, harassment and other predatory behavior.

The issue that I've been debating in my head is this: can I still enjoy, appreciate or consume the art of someone who I view to be morally compromised?

I know of countless people who were pained by the allegations against previously beloved celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Louis C.K. and Kevin Spacey. Does that mean we can no longer support these people?

Yes. It does. Sexual predators deserve no praise or support.

But, does this mean that we can no longer support their art? Can I no longer like House of Cards because of Kevin Spacey's actions? Do I refuse to laugh at Louis C.K.'s stand-up specials?

And what about those artists with fair lesser crimes? For example, I believe that Taylor Swift exhibits a form of problematic feminism that often fails to account for intersectional identities. In that way, I view her as flawed and do I not look up to her as a feminist icon. However, I very much enjoy her music and choose to listen to it often. Does that make me immoral?

I'm not sure. At what point is the art separate from the artist?

I struggle with this for a few reasons.

First, I fully believe in putting my money where my mouth is. For better or for worse, in a capitalist society such as ours, money makes change. If I don't support something, I don't spend money on it (or at least I try not to). If enough people make the same decision, then that sends a pretty strong message. For that reason, I'm disinclined to spend any money on anything created by a sexual predator. I do not want to validate them with my money. I don't want to support them. However, if someone's art is free, does the same standard hold?

Second, art is rarely the product of a single person. Yes, Kevin Spacey created House of Cards. But so did all the other actors, the editors, the costume designers and everyone else in-between. Should an entire piece of art be banished because one of the creators did some shitty things? I don't think that everyone else who put their time, effort and talents into a project deserves to be scorned and their work unseen because they are associated with a scumbag.

Finally, and perhaps more philosophically, is art completely attached to its creator? Does the art have value if we remove the artist? A painting can still be beautiful when we don't know anything about the artist. Does entertainment media work in the same way? Is a television shows still great without its lead actor? Can comedy still be funny if it's separated from the person who wrote and delivered the joke? Is it fair for a song to lose its artistic value if the artist is a terrible person? Does the value in art lie in the art itself, or the person who created the art? I have no idea.

I'm at a loss, and if anyone else has thoughts about this, I'd love to hear them.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1340
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16221
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3393
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments