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Separating the art from the artist

Daltonio

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What are your thoughts on this? If someone you like does something wrong, are you still able to enjoy their art despite it? Or do you do your best to avoid them from now on? Is it different depending on the severity of their offenses or maybe based on how much you enjoy the things they make and find that it would just be too difficult to completely cut yourself off from their work? Who are some examples you've done so for in either direction?
 
In Britain, records by Gary Glitter and Rolf Harris, both of which were popular at one time, are never played on the radio these days as both were convicted of child abuse offences.
 
Not so much crime; but, in the same vein, some Hollywood movie stars are very vocal & pushy about their political views. Some people get really upset & swear off watching any of their movies because these stars are supporting the 'wrong' views; there are lots, but I can just think of a very few.....Barbara Streisand, Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, Charlton Heston...etc.
Anyhow, I can't take a personal 'boycott' stance for this reason.
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On the other hand - - Kevin Spacy :cautious: I have to say that the cringey headlines about him have definitely tainted my attitude toward him; whereas I have certainly appreciated his talent in the past.
 
In Britain, records by Gary Glitter and Rolf Harris, both of which were popular at one time, are never played on the radio these days as both were convicted of child abuse offences.
Rolf Harris just cracked me up with his "Jake the Peg" bit; but then I read about his legal 'entanglements'. Too bad, that messed up the entertainment.

 
In Britain, records by Gary Glitter and Rolf Harris, both of which were popular at one time, are never played on the radio these days as both were convicted of child abuse offences.


Do they still have paintings by Paul Gauguin in the museums?
 
It depends how severe, for example If a celebrity I liked became a convicted pedophile or a murderer, I'd swear off their work and boycott them. There's no question about it.
 
RedState's Jerry Wilson has an interesting take on the subject...
....This is hardly a widely-held view. Generally, when an artist in whichever medium — film, television, music, etc. — makes a progressive stand, conservatives overwhelmingly say “Check, please” as they make their way to the exits. There is no logic in lining the pockets of someone who viscerally hates you because of your politics. So why not return the favor and hate them right back?

For one thing, regardless of whether you choose to throw any money their way, hatred is not worth the effort or energy. Take an example from sports: LeBron James. Have all the conservative critical brickbats thrown his way diminished his earning power? No. Has it in any fashion diminished his accomplishments on the basketball court? No. Is there any luster taken off his multiple championships and MVP awards? Again, no. James couldn’t care less what conservatives think. So why waste precious time fuming at or about him? Sure, call him out when he goes over the top. But then walk away.

Another aspect is the Scriptural mindset we who believe should bring. In the Bible’s shortest and, in many ways, strangest book, namely Jude, we have this within his warning about pseudo-believers claiming that God’s grace and forgiveness is license to sin: In the same way, these people — who claim authority from their dreams — live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction.

It is fascinating that Michael, who tradition tells us was the leader of the angelic forces who stayed faithful to God and did not follow Lucifer in the great rebellion but instead drove him from heaven, tempered his comments to Satan. If anyone had the right to read the Father of Lies the Riot Act, it would be the original and only archangel. Yet he held his fire (no pun intended). Why? Because he knew the Boss had reserved, does reserve, and will reserve judgment as His own, dispensed as He desires.

Remember how Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthian church, said that while we are here on this earth things are unclear, but when we are, by Christ’s grace and sacrifice, in His presence we will fully understand? The King James Version expresses this beautifully: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

So, too, while on this earth, we judge in part. Man’s judgment against man is temporal. God’s judgment is eternal.

The left wants us to hate them. It gives them ammunition to prove their self-appointed, self-proclaimed, righteously righteous righteousness over us. Don’t give it to them. Instead, remember what Paul said in his letter to the Roman church:

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” Says the Lord.

Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
In other words, treat them as you would any other person - with the respect and dignity due them as fellow human beings (even including your worst enemies). Yes, call them out whenever they say or do something against the pale of society, but remember that we will all have to account for our actions on this earth and that judgment is not ours to make.

So yes, separate the art from the artist.
 
I went to the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and the first person I met was a really talented guy named Scott. Fast forward a few decades and Scott is still very talented and now he's also famous. I'm friends with him on Facebook and from time to time he posts some very anti-Christian comments that coincide with some of his artwork. I respect his work as an artist, but I have to keep in mind that he's a human being as well and I don't agree with his beliefs or opinions. Those artworks that go against my belief might be filled with talent, but I don't have to "like" them either.
 
I went to the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and the first person I met was a really talented guy named Scott. Fast forward a few decades and Scott is still very talented and now he's also famous. I'm friends with him on Facebook and from time to time he posts some very anti-Christian comments that coincide with some of his artwork. I respect his work as an artist, but I have to keep in mind that he's a human being as well and I don't agree with his beliefs or opinions. Those artworks that go against my belief might be filled with talent, but I don't have to "like" them either.
I think this touches on an important point: "separating the art from the artist" needs to work both ways.

If Scott were to paint a pretty landscape that had no anti-Christian connotations, then it should be possible to separate that art from the artist. But, if he makes artwork that's intended to convey an anti-Christian message... then, I don't think Christians can be expected to "separate the art from the artist", because the artist hasn't separated themselves from the art.
 
Only to an extent can I separate the art from the artist. For example I love the Roseanne show, but I don’t like her comedy routine nowadays or her opinions on things but I can still watch the show. I’m glad she was removed from The Connors.
 
If someone's personal lifestyle isn't impeccable then I will not watch or listen to them, especially if they infringe my personal moral code. As an example, I would never watch anything featuring the actress January Jones.
 
If someone's personal lifestyle isn't impeccable then I will not watch or listen to them, especially if they infringe my personal moral code. As an example, I would never watch anything featuring the actress January Jones.
What’s wrong with January? Loved her in Mad Men but haven’t heard much about her personal life.
 
She had a child out of wedlock. Even worse, she won't publicly name the father, thus making her dishonest, another trait I dislike.
 
I like the way Nick Cave put it when asked about Morrissey...

Morrissey’s political opinion becomes irrelevant. Whatever inanities he may postulate, we cannot overlook the fact that he has written a vast and extraordinary catalogue, which has enhanced the lives of his many fans beyond recognition. This is no small thing. He has created original and distinctive works of unparalleled beauty, that will long outlast his offending political alliances.
 
I said this in another thread but it bears mentioning here: Want to start a flame war on a wrestling forum?

Say anything positive whatsoever about Chris Benoit; if you're lucky, only you will get singed over it.
 
I can do it with ease and separate the art from the artist. I still listen to R Kelly, Kayne West, and other problematic musicians music still. I honestly don't care what people say or think about me doing so. I have been a fan of most problematic artists before they ever were an issue, or I just don't keep up or care about the latest happenings.
 
What are your thoughts on this? If someone you like does something wrong, are you still able to enjoy their art despite it? Or do you do your best to avoid them from now on? Is it different depending on the severity of their offenses or maybe based on how much you enjoy the things they make and find that it would just be too difficult to completely cut yourself off from their work? Who are some examples you've done so for in either direction?

Good question! I tend to stop enjoying their art because it is now tainted by my opinion of them (assuming I disapprove of whatever they did).
 

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Welcome to Offtopix 👋, Visitor

Off Topix is a well-established general discussion forum that originally opened to the public in 2009! We provide a laid-back atmosphere, and our members are down to earth. We have a ton of content, and fresh stuff is constantly being added. We cover all sorts of topics, so there's bound to be something inside to pique your interest. We welcome anyone and everyone to register and become a member of our awesome community.

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