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The Artist Versus The Art

Can you remove a person's actions from their art?

Emilia Ascanio Carrera

Nov 04, 2018

University of Maryland College Park

https://twitter.com/chrisbrown/media

Can you remove a person's actions from their art?

I have both asked myself and been asked this question multiple times throughout the recent years, and yet I still do not know what my answer to it is. Obviously context matters and is truly the key to deciding what is ok and not, but still, a line needs to be drawn, and I do not know where it should be.

One clear example of this dilemma is if it is ok to listen to Chris Brown's music after he beat Rihanna. When you listen to someone's song or watch their music video, you are not only helping them financially, but you might also help them get more publicity for their music. So is it ok to support someone financially or push their fame if they have done something wrong? Can we separate Chris Brown's music from the fact that he abused someone?

Now for something like someone being abusive or assaulting someone, people might have an easier time saying that they cannot support someone's art because of their actions, but what if someone did not do anything but rather say things that are offensive. Take an artist like Kanye West, is it ok to still support his music after all the taboo and controversial things he has said? What level of controversy is acceptable?

To be honest, I feel like this question is going to be something that I never really have an answer to. As someone who loves music, it is hard for me not to enjoy a song, even when I know that the artist stands by or has done things that I do not agree with. Part of me wants to say that their music is only a small part of them, but listening to their music does support them and their career. I think I will just have to live my life always wondering, analyzing, and adjusting my thoughts of this based on each artist, their actions, and even their music.

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

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