It really illustrates the point that even if we wanted to fully filter out anyone with a sordid past, it would be unrealistic to research the person behind everything we interact with. So true integrity would be impossible.
The argument that always gets me thinking is when there’s actually a negative butterfly effect because of our engagement — when a person who does terrible things profits off of our attention/money. When their business is active, can we still separate them from their art — and can we still separate our engagement from their bad acts knowing that we actively contribute to their power?
I love ethical discussions but they always make me so dizzy 😵💫 haha
People take an artist and think of them in a modern-world setting, which is ridiculous, because everyone had skeletons in their closet in 19th century, for instance. And today people are complicated too. I bet anyone who is righteous and vocal may have some things they have done that wouldn't be great according to their own standards.
The shopping bag is a good example you’ve shared. I wonder if the moral dilemma is the same as admiring an artist. What if, instead of the person picking up the groceries weren’t someone of an opposing political persuasion, but a murderer. Does what the person did in the past not matter?
This is a great point. I'm a HUGE Michael Jackson fan myself, and I've had friends point out that I shouldn't be. My argument has always been exactly what you say here.
Saw your post on Reddit about showing what you've read, and I checked your works, clicked this one and had a great time reading. This one is really simple yet impactful.
I love Charles Dicken's works, and to be honest, when I heard how he treated his wife (which is disgusting), I contemplated my admiration for him. I mean, there's no use in disliking his works because of his personal problems because if I haven't heard about what's he like, I would've continued reading his work without knowing anything. It proves that all it matters is consuming the art that's great in our taste buds and just leave it as it is.
Dec 31, 2023·edited Dec 31, 2023Liked by Arman Khodadoost
Speaking of the ancient world, an obvious example that come to mind is the slave labor used to build the great monuments and temples at Athens or Persepolis or Halicarnassus. The pyramids of Egypt were built by people who may not have technically been slaves but who undoubtedly performed hard, dangerous labor and were possibly forced to do so.
Absolutely, expectations for public figures and artists are not only impossible and perhaps unintentionally deceiving (as being known widely becomes an all-or-nothing game of perfection versus evil), they set unrealistic standards for all people. On the other hand, I do believe it is vital that we consider our impact in supporting the causes of various artists. I think your point on separating the art from the artist is insightful and can help us appreciate the genuine value of art beyond modern barriers, but we also must remember that everything and every person we give attention to gains some form of power. I enjoyed reading your post - I look forward to more!
Love this post - so true. Gives me another perspective.
For example Michael Jackson - every time I listen to one of his songs (Man in the Mirror is my favourite), I feel guilty. Because I hate what he has done, but I do love the song and enjoy it every time I listen to it. With this perspective I can accept I just love the art.
That grocery bag example is a great one!
It really illustrates the point that even if we wanted to fully filter out anyone with a sordid past, it would be unrealistic to research the person behind everything we interact with. So true integrity would be impossible.
The argument that always gets me thinking is when there’s actually a negative butterfly effect because of our engagement — when a person who does terrible things profits off of our attention/money. When their business is active, can we still separate them from their art — and can we still separate our engagement from their bad acts knowing that we actively contribute to their power?
I love ethical discussions but they always make me so dizzy 😵💫 haha
People take an artist and think of them in a modern-world setting, which is ridiculous, because everyone had skeletons in their closet in 19th century, for instance. And today people are complicated too. I bet anyone who is righteous and vocal may have some things they have done that wouldn't be great according to their own standards.
The shopping bag is a good example you’ve shared. I wonder if the moral dilemma is the same as admiring an artist. What if, instead of the person picking up the groceries weren’t someone of an opposing political persuasion, but a murderer. Does what the person did in the past not matter?
This is a great point. I'm a HUGE Michael Jackson fan myself, and I've had friends point out that I shouldn't be. My argument has always been exactly what you say here.
A great letter to introduce me to your works!
Saw your post on Reddit about showing what you've read, and I checked your works, clicked this one and had a great time reading. This one is really simple yet impactful.
I love Charles Dicken's works, and to be honest, when I heard how he treated his wife (which is disgusting), I contemplated my admiration for him. I mean, there's no use in disliking his works because of his personal problems because if I haven't heard about what's he like, I would've continued reading his work without knowing anything. It proves that all it matters is consuming the art that's great in our taste buds and just leave it as it is.
Would definitely check your other works. :)
Speaking of the ancient world, an obvious example that come to mind is the slave labor used to build the great monuments and temples at Athens or Persepolis or Halicarnassus. The pyramids of Egypt were built by people who may not have technically been slaves but who undoubtedly performed hard, dangerous labor and were possibly forced to do so.
This makes perfect sense! No one is perfect, no one. Thank you for the friendly reminder.
Absolutely, expectations for public figures and artists are not only impossible and perhaps unintentionally deceiving (as being known widely becomes an all-or-nothing game of perfection versus evil), they set unrealistic standards for all people. On the other hand, I do believe it is vital that we consider our impact in supporting the causes of various artists. I think your point on separating the art from the artist is insightful and can help us appreciate the genuine value of art beyond modern barriers, but we also must remember that everything and every person we give attention to gains some form of power. I enjoyed reading your post - I look forward to more!
Love this post - so true. Gives me another perspective.
For example Michael Jackson - every time I listen to one of his songs (Man in the Mirror is my favourite), I feel guilty. Because I hate what he has done, but I do love the song and enjoy it every time I listen to it. With this perspective I can accept I just love the art.